DETROIT – Cade Cunningham celebrated his recent selection as an All-Star with his best performance yet, leading the Detroit Pistons to a commanding 117-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Little Caesars Arena. The 21-year-old guard scored 40 points, showcasing his skills and helping the Pistons break their three-game losing streak.
Cunningham's offensive prowess was on full display as he converted 17 of his 30 shot attempts and collected six rebounds alongside four assists. His stellar performance marked the second time this season he reached the 40-point milestone, just three short of his career-high of 43 points.
Despite the Mavericks' initial success, leading at times during the first quarter, they fell short against the All-Star buzzsaw. After taking an early lead of 21-10, the Mavericks couldn't maintain momentum as the Pistons stormed back, concluding the game with strong second-half performances.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged Cunningham's impact, stating, "He’s good. You can see he’s found his rhythm, being able to use his right and left. That’s why he’s an All-Star.” This sentiment was echoed by teammates who noted their defensive failures against the Pistons, particularly when it mattered most.
The Pistons dominated the paint, particularly during the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 18-8. They also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, with Detroit securing 16 second-chance points compared to just six for Dallas. The Mavericks struggled defensively, allowing the Pistons easy access to the basket.
Cunningham exploded for 22 points alone during the second half, leading the Pistons to pull away decisively. Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris contributed significantly, with Duren adding 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Harris pitching in with 17 points.
For the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving led the scoring with 28 points and six rebounds, but he faced immense pressure from the Pistons' defense. P.J. Washington also had a noteworthy game, scoring 22 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, yet it wasn’t enough to lift the team to victory. He expressed disappointment, stating, “They were the more physical team tonight and we can’t really afford to let this happen right now.”
The Mavericks' recent struggles were compounded by the absence of several key players, including Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined with a calf strain. This depth issue became evident as the Mavericks racked up 18 turnovers, hindering their efforts to mount consistent offensive runs.
Following his season debut after recovering from wrist surgery, Dante Exum contributed three points, one assist, and one rebound, feeling optimistic about his return to the court. “I feel like it’s a hat’s off to me and the rehab team,” Exum noted after the game, expressing relief and readiness to contribute more as he gets back to full fitness. “There’s no fear going to the next game.”
Despite Exum’s limited minutes due to playing under strict restrictions, Kidd acknowledged his value, pointing out, “The pace, the things he did for us... he came out healthy so we’ll see how many minutes he can go next.” Exum's enthusiasm underlined the need for the Mavericks’ lineup to stabilize as they navigate through injuries.
Jason Kidd reflected on the game's outcome, emphasizing the Mavericks’ pressing need to improve physically and defensively. “We made a run and just couldn’t get over the hump. Give them credit. Detroit was really good.”
Looking ahead, the Mavericks face another tough matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the need for adjustments will be pivotal if they wish to avoid falling back on their inconsistent performances this season. Similarly, the Pistons will aim to build on their success as they prepare to take on the Chicago Bulls.
This game demonstrated both the promise of young talent like Cade Cunningham and the struggles faced by teams trying to navigate through injuries and inconsistent play. Both teams now look forward to their next games, hoping to capitalize on the momentum or goal alignment as the season progresses.