Bickerstaff Makes His Stance on Cade Cunningham Clear
Three Pistons outscored Cade Cunningham in Monday's win. J.B. Bickerstaff made his view of that plain. #Pistons
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham logged just 26 minutes and 31 seconds in action against the Washington Wizards during Monday's game, picking up his fifth personal foul in the third quarter. He then returned midway through the fourth quarter and finished with 17 points on 43.8 percent shooting from the floor in a 122-111 victory for Detroit.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff discussed Cunningham's impact, stating, “He just needs to be himself. Cade has been amazing since we’ve been here at understanding the moment and doing what’s right in the moment. He’s always put the team first, so this isn’t going to be about him doing something for him. It’s going to be what the game deems necessary and how (defenses) decide to defend him.”
Other than his 17 points, Cunningham contributed three rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Cunningham is averaging 22.3 points and 7.6 assists per game this season, ninth in the NBA, though his assist average has slightly decreased since last season. With Jalen Duren out for at least two more weeks due to a right hamstring strain, Cunningham is taking on a larger role in setting up the frontcourt.
Three Pistons – Duncan Robinson, Daniss Jenkins, and John Collins – outscored Cunningham in the 122-111 win, with Jenkins adding eight assists. Detroit's recent 7-3 start in the NBA season highlights the team's ability to rely on collective playmaking to overcome challenges.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
