Cade Cunningham's exceptional performance led the Detroit Pistons to a thrilling 116-113 victory over the Miami Heat, thanks to his remarkable banked-in 3-pointer with just 0.6 seconds remaining on the clock. This game-winning shot not only secured the win but also highlighted Cunningham's impressive season, where he has been a standout player in the NBA.
Cunningham currently sits tenth in the league, averaging 25.6 points per game. He is also third in assists, with 9.3 per game, and shares third place for triple-doubles with nine this season. His outstanding contributions have earned him a first-time All-Star appearance and put him in contention for end-of-season awards.
The Pistons' victory over the Heat was marked by Cunningham's 25-point, 12-rebound, and 11-assist performance. His game-winning shot, reminiscent of a similar attempt on opening night against Miami, came under pressure from Bam Adebayo's defense.
"Just get him the ball and get out of the way," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff stated simply when describing the team's approach.
Cunningham's shot was executed flawlessly despite Adebayo's close defense. Adebayo mentioned he would have fouled Cunningham if the shot had been closer. Instead, Cunningham called bank on his decisive shot, cementing his status as a clutch performer.
"As soon as Coach walked up with the play, I already knew what he was running," Cunningham reflected on the moment leading to his decisive shot.
Cunningham's career has reached new heights this season as he played a career-high 65 games, showcasing his resilience and consistency. As a result, he is almost certain to feature on several All-NBA ballots next month.
Leave a Reply