When a team loses 27 games in a row – an NBA record now – and hasn't won a game in two months, it's difficult to find anything positive. Nevertheless, Cade Cunningham is a little ray of sunshine in the very dark Pistons sky.
The first choice of the 2021 Draft does not give up and achieves his best career streak with 31.8 points at 57% shooting success, including 41% at 3-pts, and 6.8 assists on average over the last five matches. He even went over 40 points twice: 43 in Atlanta and 41 against Brooklyn.
He speaks to the media…
In addition, he appeared several times at a press conference in recent days, while the record for losses in a row was in his sights. A leadership attitude on and off the field.
“Every day I try to lead this team,” he assures for the Detroit Free Press. “I didn’t succeed in that regard. We have 2 wins in 30 matches. I told myself it was normal for me to speak up and be the face of the team. This locker room and everyone here is invested. Everyone is trying to do their best to win matches and be successful. I put a lot of that weight on my shoulders, that's for sure. »
After his shortened last season (12 matches) due to injury, Cade Cunningham is gaining strength week after week. His shooting percentages are good and he has more legs, so he is less tired than in November. Another good point: he lost fewer balls in December than during the first months when he dominated the league in this area.
…and in front of his teammates
Thus, he has established himself as the leader expected by Detroit since his arrival in the league. Unfortunately for him, this is when the Pistons completely sink…
“He showed me even more things in the locker room. He spoke passionately about the things we need to do and the fact that we are all in this together and responsible for our situation.”says Monty Williams.
What were the words of the Pistons leader in the locker room after this 27th defeat in a row?
“Don’t leave the ship”he told his teammates. “We must stay united. This is the easiest time to isolate ourselves but we must continue to lean on each other, push each other and hold each other accountable. More than ever. »
| Cade Cunningham | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | DET | 64 | 33 | 41.6 | 31.4 | 84.5 | 0.9 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 17.4 |
| 2022-23 | DET | 12 | 33 | 41.5 | 27.9 | 83.7 | 1.0 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 19.9 |
| 2023-24 | DET | 30 | 35 | 44.5 | 33.1 | 87.1 | 0.5 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 7.0 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 3.9 | 0.3 | 23.0 |
| Total | 106 | 33 | 42.5 | 31.5 | 85.4 | 0.8 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 3.7 | 0.6 | 19.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
