The next generation should take notes on Cade Cunningham’s masterclass in breaking records in a single night. Against the Wizards, he methodically ticked off milestones as if checking items off a grocery list in Detroit’s 137-135 win. The struggling Washington team, sitting at 1-9, hoped to end a three-game losing streak, while the red-hot Pistons came in with an 8-2 record. But Cunningham had other historic plans, turning the matchup into a showcase of skill, poise, and record-setting brilliance.

The Pistons’ point guard delivered a sensational performance, posting a 46-point triple-double with 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and two blocks: a stat line that had NBA pundits scrambling for the record books. As one user on X highlighted, “Cade Cunningham just joined Kobe and Mike as one of the last three 24-and-under players in NBA history to put up 43 shots in a game: Cade (2025): 14/45 FG | 46 PTS | W (OT) Kobe (2002): 17/47 FG | 41 PTS | L (OT) Jordan (1987): 19/43 FG | 43 PTS | L.”

Cade Cunningham turned heads against the Wizards, taking an eye-popping 45 shots, a feat matched by only a few legends like Kobe Bryant. He made 14 of those attempts, finishing with 46 points in 46 minutes of pure determination. 

According to Underdog NBA, Cunningham “joins Russ, Wilt, Elgin as only players with a triple-double on 40+ FGA. First player since Kobe in 2002 with 30+ missed FGA in a game.” By missing 31 shots, he broke Kobe’s long-standing record of 30 misses in a single game, a mark that had stood since November 7, 2002, when Kobe Bryant scored 41 points on 17-of-47 shooting in an overtime loss to the Celtics.

The 45 attempts also tie Cunningham with Bryant for the seventh-most field goal attempts since the 1983-84 season, with Kobe holding the overall record at 50 attempts in his final career game. Hitting 40 or more shots in a single contest is rare, but Cunningham did it with poise and purpose, showing the kind of fearless approach that makes a young star stand out. At just 24, he’s still approaching his prime, but his performance made it clear why the Pistons made him their top pick in 2021.

It wasn’t just scoring that defined his night. Cunningham also collected 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and five steals, powering the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons to their seventh straight victory. Even with the high volume of shots, his energy never flagged, and his court vision remained sharp, turning a grueling 46-minute effort into a masterclass in endurance and skill.

By the end of the night, Cunningham had rewritten part of the record books and cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars. His season averages of 25.6 points and a career-high 9.8 assists per game are only poised to climb higher after this historic performance, leaving fans and analysts alike marveling at the talent and determination of Detroit’s rising star.

The only real hiccup in Cunningham’s record-setting night was his shooting efficiency. Cunningham went 2-for-11 from beyond the arc but more than made up for it at the line, knocking down 16 of 18 free throws in his 12th career triple-double. His ability to finish strong has become a trademark; just the night before, he dropped 24 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 111-108 win over the 76ers.

Even head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has taken notice of Cunningham’s big-game poise. “He’s elite when the game is on the line. There’s not many people in this league that can do things that he does,” he said. In Detroit, these “big Cunningham nights” are becoming routine, and despite a few misses from the field, his fearless playmaking and clutch scoring continue to leave fans and opponents alike in awe.

Cunningham leads under-manned Pistons to gritty overtime win

The Pistons pulled off a thrilling overtime win against the Washington Wizards in a game full of clutch moments and twists. Danniis Jenkins hit a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Duren dominated inside with 19 points and 14 rebounds, Duncan Robinson added 13 points, and Javonte Green contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Despite CJ McCollum’s 42-point explosion for Washington and 20 points from Cam Whitmore, Detroit came out on top.

The first half was tightly contested, with the Pistons finishing strong to take a 67-61 lead at halftime. The Wizards came back in the third quarter with a 9-2 run, flipping the momentum and taking a 96-87 lead. They even stretched it to a 12-point advantage midway through the fourth quarter, making it look like Washington might pull away.

Detroit refused to fold, though. Cade Cunningham stepped up, hitting a crucial 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining, cutting the Wizards’ lead to five. Green and Jenkins added timely baskets and free throws, keeping Detroit within striking distance. Washington had chances to close it out, but missed shots and split free throws allowed the Pistons to stay alive.

Even with six rotation players sidelined, including Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Caris LeVert, and Isaiah Stewart, Cunningham led the team with confidence and poise. He set up Jenkins’ game-tying 3-pointer, and in overtime, Detroit’s smart plays and aggressive effort secured the victory. It was a gritty, exciting performance that showed the Pistons can win even when missing key contributors.