Before Game 2 of the Detroit Pistons-New York Knicks clash at Madison Square Garden, the former had an unwanted record in their kitty bag, a 15-game playoff losing streak. Cade Cunningham and Co. finished the game, though, with heads held high to end the streak.
Be it Cunningham’s saucy ball-handling skills or A+ basketball IQ, the 23-year-old conducts the team’s offense and defense to perfection. This year could be the Pistons’ year of coronation, with multiple pundits and players sending their flowers to Detroit’s budding point guard.
One such comment came from five-time NBA champion, Magic Johnson.
Cade Cunningham Earns Scattered Applause From NBA Legends and Pundits
In a post on X, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player acknowledged Cunningham, who has elevated himself in recent games. Johnson said, “Pistons guard Cade Cunningham showed America he’s a superstar in the making, scoring 33 points tonight in their win over the New York Knicks!”
Notably, Cunningham finished the game with 33 points and shot 52.4%. He also grabbed 12 rebounds and marked his postage stamp on most plays where the Pistons got points on the board.
If one needs an example of a player who’s a “jack of all trades,” Cunningham ticks all the right boxes in that category. Similarly, don’t sleep on his leadership skills and work ethic.
During the fourth quarter, when the clock struck 7:13, Cunningham lifted Paul Reed, who fell to the floor after tipping in the basketball for a score. With the Knicks ready for a fast-break transition offense, Cunningham wasted no time lifting him and encouraging him to get back on defense. A true leader, nonetheless.
These subtle moments in a game draw attention, and fans know they have a special player within their ranks. In addition, Johnson loves the Pistons’ recent form amidst their streak-breaking game.
Magic Johnson Impressed With Detroit Pistons
As the Pistons led the game 55-49 at halftime, the game hung in delicate balance. The Knicks, being the Knicks, fended off the energy from the Madison Square Garden crowd and went on an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter.
Nevertheless, Dennis Schröder scored a sensational 3-pointer at 00:56 to extend the Pistons’ lead. With the German guard playing for three teams this season, this became a moment of redemption for the player when fans doubted him.
“Dennis Schroeder scored 20 points and hit the biggest shot of the game to break the tie that helped the Pistons pull it out in the stretch 100-94,” Johnson mentioned in his tweet. It concluded with the Lakers legend’s comment, “This Pistons vs. Knicks Series is great to watch!”
The last time the Pistons won a playoff game was on May 26, 2008, when the team defeated the Boston Celtics to tie the Eastern Conference Finals 2-2.
After that series, the Pistons were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers on two occasions and again against the Milwaukee Bucks. They lost the first game of this series against the Knicks before their recent win at Madison Square Garden. This series is far from over, and the third game will take place on April 24 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.