In a thrilling NBA showdown, Cade Cunningham delivered a spectacular finish to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 116-113 victory against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, marking a momentous victory for the Pistons as they sent the Heat to their ninth consecutive loss. Cunningham banked in a clutch 3-pointer with less than a second remaining, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the league.
This season, the Pistons guard has been nothing short of remarkable, averaging 25.6 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. Since being drafted first overall by Detroit in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham has consistently improved, transforming this into his best season yet, highlighted by his recent All-Star selection. Through 202 career games, he has amassed 4,396 points, 1,082 rebounds, and 1,484 assists, placing him among an elite trio of NBA players.
Indeed, according to the NBA, “DETROIT'S MOTORCADE. Cade Cunningham joined Oscar Robertson (1960-63) & Luka Doncic (2018-21) as the ONLY players to tally at least 4,300 PTS, 1,000 REB, and 1,400 AST through their first 200 games!” This remarkable statistic underscores not only Cunningham's talent but also reflects his significant contribution to the Pistons’ current standing.
The Pistons, currently holding the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a commendable 38-31 record, displayed their resilience in the match against Miami. Throughout the contest, Detroit trailed for much of the second half, never leading by more than two points until the final thrilling moments of the game. Bam Adebayo shined for the Heat with 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, attempting to secure a win for Miami. However, the team's struggles continued as they fell behind for the NBA-leading 12th time this season after holding a lead at any point in the fourth quarter.
Before the dramatic final moments, it appeared Miami was in control, leading 93-88 entering the fourth quarter and expanding their lead to as much as eight in the final period. Despite the favorable position, the Heat found themselves unable to withstand the late-game pressure. Detroit was a five-point favorite at the start of the match, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, breaking a streak where the Heat were favored for twenty consecutive games in this matchup since February 2019.
As the final seconds ticked down, Cunningham showcased his clutch ability, scoring Detroit's final two baskets, both 3-pointers, in a span of just 57 seconds. These pivotal shots not only secured the win for the Pistons but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. With this victory, Cunningham also recorded his ninth triple-double of the season with impressive numbers that included 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Another notable performance came from Tyler Herro, who contributed significantly for Miami with 29 points. However, despite his productive effort, statistics revealed the Heat were outrebounded 47 to 37 and conceded 70 points in the paint—crucial factors leading to their ongoing slump.
The Pistons now shift their focus to upcoming games, preparing to face the Dallas Mavericks this Friday, while Miami will seek to break their losing streak against the Houston Rockets, a game that lies ahead in their five-game homestand. Both teams will be looking to turn their fortunes around in the coming matches.
The Pistons have made dramatic strides this season compared to their previous years, in which they had a combined total of just 31 wins. With their 33rd victory of this season on March 19, 2025, they have established themselves as a team worth watching as they near playoff contention.
This match not only serves to highlight the resurgence of Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons but also typifies the ongoing struggles of the Miami Heat as they navigate challenging waters with their season dwindling. For now, the excitement in Detroit continues to rise as this youthful team aims for greater achievements.
