The Detroit Pistons showcased their strength in a commanding 114-97 win over the Charlotte Hornets during Monday’s NBA action, marking their largest margin of victory this season.
Cade Cunningham led the charge with 22 points, including a pivotal 12 in the first quarter, and finished the game with eight assists, propelling Detroit to an early double-digit lead.
Cunningham’s performance set a franchise record, reaching 1,200 points and 400 assists in his 54th game of the season, surpassing Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas‘s pace from the 1984-85 season.
“Playing with a guy like that, it makes the game really simple for me and the team,” said Jalen Duren, who contributed with 20 points and 10 rebounds. “He gets it done every night.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Despite the Pistons’ struggles this season, they managed to sweep the three-game series against the Hornets, a feat that did not go unnoticed by Hornets coach Steve Clifford.
“We haven’t been able to score on them,” Clifford said.
For the Hornets, rookie Brandon Miller impressed with 19 points and seven assists, drawing praise from Clifford for not playing like a rookie. However, Charlotte’s offense faltered with Miles Bridges, a Flint native and former Michigan State star, missing 15 of 24 shots and ending the game with 24 points.
It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Hornets found another player reaching double digits, with Grant Williams scoring 13 in the final period to finish with 22 points.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Detroit’s balanced offense saw all five starters scoring in double digits through two-plus quarters, contributing to their decisive lead. Simone Fontecchio, Isaiah Stewart, and Jaden Ivey supported the Pistons’ effort with significant contributions.
The absence of Tre Mann due to a groin injury was felt by the Hornets, highlighting his impact since being acquired from Oklahoma City.
Detroit’s initial lead and response to Charlotte’s 15-0 run showcased their resilience and strategic execution.
“Our energy went down in the second quarter for whatever reason on the defensive side the ball,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said. “We talked about being greedy, and doing what we did in the first quarter and coming out with that energy so we can run.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Pistons’ ability to maintain their lead and close out the game was further solidified by James Wiseman‘s performance in the final quarter, underscoring the depth and potential of the team.
“When you can hold a team to 99 points and force 12 turnovers, that’s a huge deal,” Williams said.
As both teams look ahead to their next games, the Pistons will take confidence from this significant victory, while the Hornets will seek to rebound against their upcoming opponents.
