Cade Cunningham is making waves in the NBA, and it's time we recognize his evolution into a defensive force reminiscent of his idol, LeBron James. In a standout performance, Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a victory over the Western Conference leaders, the Oklahoma City Thunder, at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons guard showcased his defensive prowess in their 124-116 win, proving that being a cornerstone player involves hustle on both ends of the court.
Cunningham's post-game reflections highlighted his love for defense. "I’ve always enjoyed running stuff down and getting blocks," he shared.
"Watching LeBron growing up, it’s something I’ve always been pretty good at. It’s been part of my game, and now it’s finally coming along in the NBA."
His stat line from the night was nothing short of impressive: 29 points, 13 assists, four rebounds, three blocks, three steals, and eight turnovers, while shooting an efficient 11-of-16 from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range. His defensive contributions were crucial, with all three blocks keeping the ball in play, allowing the Pistons to transition quickly.
Cunningham’s 7’0″ wingspan is a game-changer, enabling him to track and block opponents from behind, often luring them into a false sense of security before swatting their shots away. This season, he's averaging a block per game, along with 25.4 points and 9.8 assists, showcasing his all-around impact.
The Pistons guard is playing with newfound control and tempo, a significant development for a franchise looking to reclaim its former glory. NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins praised Cunningham on ‘NBA on ESPN,’ calling him one of the best young leaders in the game. "He understands the assignment," Perkins noted, emphasizing Cunningham's ability to elevate his teammates, particularly in the pick-and-roll with Jalen Duren.
Last season, Cunningham led the Pistons to the playoffs, though they fell to the New York Knicks in the first round. With his continued growth, the two-time NBA All-Star is poised to guide Detroit to a deeper postseason run this year.