Cade Cunningham Boosts MVP Case

- In his recent standout performance at Madison Square Garden, Cade Cunningham scored 42 points, dished out 13 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds in a 126-111 victory over the New York Knicks. This performance made him one of only a few visiting players in NBA history to record at least 40 points and 10 assists at the iconic arena, joining the ranks of LeBron James and Allen Iverson. - The victory over the Knicks completed a season sweep for the Pistons, a significant reversal after being eliminated by New York in the previous season's playoffs. Detroit won the three games against the Knicks by a combined 84 points. - Cunningham's MVP candidacy is bolstered by the dramatic turnaround of the Detroit Pistons, who currently hold one of the best records in the NBA. This is a stark contrast to their record in recent years, including a season where they lost 28 consecutive games. - As of mid-February 2026, the Pistons have not lost more than two consecutive games all season, a feat only two other teams had accomplished at that point. The team's record through their first 30 games was a much-improved 24-6. - Individually, Cunningham is averaging a career-best in several statistical categories and is among the league leaders in both scoring and assists. His performance has been particularly strong in February, where he has averaged over 27 points and 9 assists per game. - The Pistons' success under the leadership of first-year coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been a major storyline, with the team clinching a winning record and being on track for a high seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. - Cunningham's defensive effort has also been a key factor in his MVP consideration, with highlight plays that showcase his hustle and basketball IQ. - The Pistons were without their starting center, Jalen Duren, and key reserve Isaiah Stewart for the game at Madison Square Garden due to suspensions, making Cunningham's leadership and performance in the win even more critical.