Cade Cunningham scored 25 points and 10 assists, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 107-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, giving them a 2-0 series lead. His late-game performance has been crucial, averaging 30.6 points per game in the postseason.
Key points
Cade Cunningham scored 25 points and 10 assists in Game 2.
The Pistons won 107-97 against the Cavaliers.
Cunningham has a postseason scoring average of 30.6 points per game.
The Pistons lead the series 2-0.
Cunningham's late-game performance has been crucial.
As chants of "MVP" echoed throughout, Cunningham delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 25 points and 10 assists. His ability to take charge in crucial moments highlights why coach J.B. Bickerstaff has the utmost trust in the All-Star guard in the clutch for recognizing "what the moment calls for," especially given the number of times Cunningham has stepped up in the fourth quarter throughout the season.
"Cade is just fabulous," Bickerstaff said. "He’s a killer closer, and all the adjectives you want to talk about, he’s it, and in the fourth quarter, he does his best work."
As the series moves to Cleveland with the Pistons leading 2-0, Cunningham's offensive performance has become a key factor in his popularity. He currently leads the league in scoring during this postseason, averaging 30.6 points per game on 45.0% shooting from the field and 40.6% shooting from behind the arc.
He is now fourth all-time in league history for the most consecutive 20-point performances to start a postseason career (15), trailing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (27), LeBron James (19) and Anthony Davis (16). Cunningham has displayed an offensive showcase every time he has taken the court this postseason. However, he also has been just as impactful defensively, highlighting his two-way versatility.
"I'm just making sure that I am doing my job and not breaking down our defense," Cunningham said. "Trying to make plays is huge for us. I'm just trying to execute as best as I can, making sure that we are high-level on that end, because that is what has won us games."
Q&A
How did Cade Cunningham perform in Game 2 against the Cavaliers?
Cade Cunningham scored 25 points and provided 10 assists, significantly contributing to the Pistons' 107-97 victory.
What is Cade Cunningham's scoring average in the postseason?
Cade Cunningham is averaging 30.6 points per game during the postseason.
What is the current series score between the Pistons and Cavaliers?
The Detroit Pistons currently lead the series 2-0 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Why is Cade Cunningham considered a key player for the Pistons?
Cade Cunningham is seen as a key player due to his ability to perform under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter, earning him the trust of coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Related Articles
NBA
The Knicks have something special brewing as road to NBA Finals looks wide open
The Knicks are on a six-game winning streak and lead the 76ers 3-0, eyeing the NBA Finals!
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Mark Vientos homers and hits a go-ahead double in the 10th as the Mets top the Diamondbacks 3-1
Mark Vientos shines with a homer and double as Mets top Diamondbacks 3-1!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Recap
Boys track and field Upper State champions, other qualifiers for state
Upper State boys track and field champions and state qualifiers revealed for May championships.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Knicks fans’ outburst marrs tribute to Nick Nurse’s late brother during game 3
Knicks fan's outburst disrupts tribute to Nick Nurse's late brother
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NHL·Recap
Marner’s first playoff hat trick propels Golden Knights to 6-2 rout of Ducks and 2-1 series lead
Mitch Marner's first playoff hat trick helps Golden Knights rout Ducks 6-2, taking a 2-1 series lead.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Victor Wembanyama drops 39 points as Spurs take 3-0 lead over Timberwolves
Victor Wembanyama drops 39 points as Spurs take a 2-1 lead over Timberwolves
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
As the Pistons prepare for Game 3 in Cleveland on Saturday, they have put together a standout defensive performance. Currently, they boast the second-best defensive rating in the league at 103.0, second only to the San Antonio Spurs, who have a rating of 100.6. Dating to their first-round series against the Orlando Magic, the Pistons have held their opponents to a league-low 98.0 points per game.
Headlined by Ausar Thompson, several players are responsible for the Pistons' defensive success, but Cunningham's contributions have become a bit overlooked.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) knocks the from Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (2) in the second half. Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers, Round 2, Game 2, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Detroit, Mich
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) knocks the from Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (2) in the second half. Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers, Round 2, Game 2, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Detroit, Mich
Cunningham ranks in the top 10 among guards for blocks and steals, averaging 1.5 rejections and 1.0 takeaways in the second round alone. In nine playoff games, Cunningham has notched nine steals and eight blocks. However, despite feeling he has to "be better" defensively, Cunningham has been the secondary defender limiting James Harden throughout the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
"It’s what we’ve talked about all year long. He’s not a one-dimensional or one-way player. I think he’s one of the top 10 two-way players in our league," Bickerstaff said. "You look at his steals, the moments where he gets big blocks. His willingness to take on challenges and defend multiple positions makes him a superstar among other teams. He runs from nothing."
Cunningham has been crucial in forcing Harden to average 5.5 turnovers per game while shooting 32.1% from the field and 9.1% on 3-point shooting. One of Cunningham's best defensive plays occurred at the 8:07 mark of the third quarter in Game 1. He pickpocketed Harden as the former league MVP attempted to take him off the dribble. His steal led to Duncan Robinson assisting Thompson, who converted the turnover with a two-handed dunk.
"The fact that he can play both sides of the ball is hard to find, especially for a guy who has to carry so much on the offensive end," center Isaiah Stewart said. "He gives so much effort on the defensive end and has bought in and has done a great job of helping us out."
During his impressive performance in the final moments of Game 2, Cunningham executed a right-to-left crossover and made a step-back 3-point shot at the 2:12 mark of the fourth quarter. Much like his first 3-pointer within the last five minutes, his second shot sent the fans inside the arena into a frenzy.
However, on the Pistons' next defensive possession, Cunningham made arguably his most significant play, showcasing his defense by rejecting Max Strus' 3-point field goal attempt. The defensive stop marked Cunningham's second block of the night, highlighting the Pistons' identity as they continue to strive for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
"It allows us to do so many things and coach in such a way — if your best player is willing to lay it on the line on the defensive end of the floor, everybody else is held to a higher standard," Bickerstaff said. "It allows us to coach the guys hard, but also, it allows us to do so many different things because of the way we can match up all over the floor with the versatility that we have and the guys we have who are willing to defend."
▶ Outlook: The Pistons currently hold a 2-0 series lead over the Cavaliers, due to a strong collective effort. One key player who has significantly contributed to the Pistons' success is Duncan Robinson. He scored 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting in Thursday's victory and is now averaging 18.0 points while shooting 59.0% from 3-point range in the Pistons' second-round series against the Cavaliers.
