Cade Cunningham Shines as Pistons Roll Past Kings in Statement Win
Detroit fans got a glimpse of what the future could look like on Sunday - and it was electric. Cade Cunningham, finally looking like himself after battling through a stretch of injury-limited performances, put on a show at Little Caesars Arena, leading the Pistons to a commanding 139-116 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Cunningham was in full control from the opening tip. The third-year guard dropped 29 points on an efficient 13-of-22 shooting night, dished out 11 assists, and added five rebounds, three steals, and a block for good measure.
It was the kind of all-around performance that reminds you why he’s the centerpiece of Detroit’s rebuild. The only blemish?
Five turnovers - a product of his high-usage role and aggressive playmaking. But when he's orchestrating like this, you live with the occasional miscue.
And it wasn’t just a one-man show. The Pistons had seven players score in double figures, a rare sight for a team that’s struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm this season.
Jalen Duren brought his usual physicality in the paint, finishing with 18 points and six boards. Tobias Harris, spacing the floor with confidence, knocked down four threes en route to 16 points.
Off the bench, Jaden Ivey made the most of his minutes, scoring 11 points and drilling three of his four attempts from deep - a promising sign for a young guard still carving out his role. Rookie Ron Holland II also chipped in 11 points before being ejected late in the fourth quarter, a fiery end to what had been a solid showing.
On the other side, Sacramento never quite found their rhythm. Malik Monk led the Kings with 19 points, while DeMar DeRozan added 16 on an efficient 6-of-12 from the field, along with four assists. But overall, the Kings couldn’t match Detroit’s energy or execution on either end of the floor.
For the Pistons, this wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. A reminder of what this young core is capable of when healthy, clicking, and confident. And for Cunningham, it was a much-needed return to form, the kind of performance that reestablishes his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.