Cade Cunningham’s Historic Night Leads Pistons to Victory

Detroit Pistons’ All-Star Cade Cunningham earned a spot in NBA history on Thursday night. He scored 52 points and recorded 11 assists in a remarkable 144-140 double-overtime win against the Washington Wizards.

Cunningham achieved this by shooting 16 of 25 from the field, including hitting 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, and converting 17 of 18 free throws. He made NBA history as the first player since the league began recording turnovers in 1977-78, to score at least 50 points, provide 10 assists, and have zero turnovers in a single game.

Cunningham’s performance makes him the third player this season to score at least 52 points in a game. Others who achieved this feat include the Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic and the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama. Notably, this performance came just a week after Doncic scored a season-high 53 points.

During the double-overtime match, Cunningham netted 30 of his points in the fourth quarter and the overtime periods, clinching a four-point victory for Detroit.

The NBA acknowledged Cunningham’s achievement by sharing a highlight reel of his game. The video showcased his 3-pointers, mid-range shots, and his agile movements past defenders to score. A standout moment was his spinning layup, a testament to his skill.

Among Cunningham’s 11 assists, he made an impressive alley-oop pass to teammate Ausar Thompson with less than five minutes left in the second quarter.

In response, Washington’s Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Alex Sarr collectively scored 97 points. Davis also secured 15 rebounds, and Young provided 14 assists. Rookie AJ Dybantsa scored only five points, landing 2 out of 10 shots.

Cunningham’s 52 points mark a career high, and the victory boosts Detroit’s season record to 8-3. This win helps keep Detroit competitive in the Eastern Conference alongside the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

Next, the Pistons face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Miami.