Cunningham scores 33 points as Detroit forces 27 turnovers, improves to 6-1
The Detroit Pistons extended their winning streak to three games with a commanding 124-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets Monday night at Spectrum Center, led by Cade Cunningham's game-high 33 points and a dominant defensive effort that helped Detroit pull away in the second half.
Detroit (6-1) used a decisive 19-0 run to close the third quarter and secure its third consecutive victory. The Pistons forced a season-high 27 turnovers, converting them into 37 points, and recorded 19 steals while holding Charlotte to 38.1% shooting from the field.
"When we're defending at the level that we're capable of defending and then the shots are going, we're going to be a tough out," Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Our guys again have completely bought into what's most important to team, and for us it's our identity of being defensive-minded; being aggressive, being disruptive, and we've got guys that can play in the open court, which creates a lot of opportunities for us also."
Cunningham set the tone on both ends of the floor, finishing with 33 points, seven assists and five steals in just 27 minutes. The All-Star guard shot 13-of-20 from the field and scored 17 points in the third quarter to help Detroit turn a tightly contested game into a blowout.
"I thought he set the tone," Bickerstaff said. "He picked a spot where it was time to put his foot on the gas, and he came out, particularly in that second half, and led the way. Again, he's one of the best leaders I've ever seen, and his ability to choose the moment and then get his teammates to go along with him is just special, and that's why he is who he is."
Duncan Robinson added 24 points, connecting on six 3-pointers, while Ausar Thompson finished with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Ron Holland II and Paul Reed contributed 11 points apiece, with Reed making his first start in place of the injured Jalen Duren.
The Pistons and Hornets traded baskets throughout the opening quarter before Detroit took a 27-24 lead into the second.
Charlotte briefly regained the advantage early in the second, but Detroit found its offensive rhythm behind Robinson and Cunningham. The Pistons used a 10-1 run midway through the quarter to take control, shooting 75% from the field in the period.
The Hornets responded in the third quarter, cutting Detroit's advantage to 79-75 with just under five minutes remaining. However, the Pistons took over from there, holding Charlotte scoreless for the remainder of the period while scoring 19 unanswered points.
Cunningham fueled the run with 11 points, including a steal and transition dunk, while Holland capped the surge with a 3-pointer to give Detroit a 98-75 advantage entering the fourth.
The Pistons continued to build their lead in the final period, with Robinson connecting on three additional 3-pointers as Detroit's advantage grew to as many as 33 points.
Detroit finished the night shooting a season-high 57.3% from the field and a season-high 48.6% from beyond the arc, while recording 30 assists for the second time this season and outscoring Charlotte 27-4 in fast-break points.
Brandon Miller led Charlotte (3-5) with 17 points, while Naz Reid added 13.
Despite Detroit's strong start to the season, Cunningham emphasized the team's collective mindset and commitment to continued improvement.
"Everybody's focused, everybody's together," Cunningham said. "We know what we're trying to do, we're trying to get better each and every game, each and every time that we're out there. We're trying to grow together; I think that's been the main thing that's impressive. But it's early, so we just got to keep on going."
Detroit returns home Wednesday to face the Philadelphia 76ers at Little Caesars Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. That game can be seen on ESPN and heard on 97.1 FM The Ticket.