Detroit’s early-season surge has been driven by Cade Cunningham’s late-game dominance. The third-year guard has piled up 86 fourth-quarter points through eight contests—most in the NBA—and dropped 19 in each of the past two outings, including Wednesday’s 114-103 win over the Jazz that pushed the Pistons to 6-2.
“We’re just now turning the corner as far as just not being losers,” Cunningham said after the victory. “We were losers for a little stint in the NBA. But we all have winning habits, winning mentalities. We’re just starting to get our feet wet as far as learning winning basketball.”
Second-year head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had similar praise. “He’s phenomenal,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s an unbelievable player, unbelievable person. Great teammate, great leader. Everything you want in a No. 1 guy, Cade is it.”
Stewart Setting the Tone at the Rim
Bickerstaff called Isaiah Stewart “the best rim protector in the league,” citing the center’s career-high 2.4 blocks per game. “His timing, anticipation, always being early to the spot,” the coach noted. “Isaiah doesn’t mind challenging anybody because it’s the right thing to do. That’s his responsibility for this team—protect the rim.”
Harris Close to Returning
Starting forward Tobias Harris missed his second straight game with an ankle sprain, but Bickerstaff expects a short absence. “The ankle is one of those things where you see how it responds tomorrow,” he explained. “Tobias has been one of the more durable and reliable players in the league, so we don’t expect him to miss significant time, but we’ll make sure he’s healthy.”
Duren’s 22-22 Night
Second-year center Jalen Duren erupted for 22 points and 22 rebounds against Utah. “I’ve had multiple conversations with Coach Bickerstaff about being aggressive and showing what I worked on this summer,” Duren said. “My teammates keep telling me to attack whoever is in front of me, and I’m trying to do just that.”
Additional Reinforcements Coming
Pistons.com’s Keith Langlois pointed out that Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert are still adjusting to their new surroundings, while guards Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser are expected to bolster the backcourt once they return from injuries.
Source: Hoops Rumors
