Cade Cunningham Leads Pistons to 60-Win Season

Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a 60-win season, averaging 28.1 points per game in the NBA playoffs.

What happened in the playoffs?

The Pistons' season ended with a Game 7 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 17. Cade Cunningham was substituted out with 5:51 left in the fourth quarter, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

How did Cade Cunningham perform?

He averaged 28.1 points per game, the second-highest postseason scoring average, trailing only Finals MVP Jalen Brunson. Cade Cunningham scored 394 points, ranking in the top 10 in total points in the playoffs without advancing to the conference finals.

What challenges did Cade Cunningham face?

He battled a collapsed lung and cracked ribs, sustained on March 17 during a game against the Washington Wizards. The injury caused him to miss 11 games and required him to remain inactive, leading to deconditioning. Trajan Langdon, president of basketball operations, praised Cade Cunningham as "an absolute warrior" for his efforts. Cade Cunningham's recovery was difficult, with Langdon saying "he was put in a really difficult position coming back from not being able to do much for 14 days".

What's next for Cade Cunningham?

The 2026 postseason concluded with the New York Knicks winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Cade Cunningham will look to build on his impressive individual run in the playoffs, despite the challenges he faced. He tied Jalen Brunson and Paolo Banchero for the highest-scoring game of the postseason, with 45 points. Cade Cunningham's performance earned him All-NBA guard honors, solidifying his position as a key player for the Pistons. The Pistons will look to grow from their experiences and come back stronger next season, with Cade Cunningham at the forefront.