It’s getting chippy in Detroit.
Tensions have been high throughout the Pistons–Knicks series, and Cade Cunningham’s leadership was on full display during a Game 3 scuffle between the two teams.
Cade Cunningham Pushes Ron Holland II Away From Knicks-Pistons Scuffle
After a scrappy sequence where rookie Ron Holland II stole the ball from Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, emotions boiled over. Holland got up and exchanged heated words with the Knicks big man, staring him down in a moment that could have quickly escalated into something more serious — and potentially free throws for New York.
Before things could spiral, Cunningham immediately stepped in, physically shoving his teammate away from the confrontation to prevent any unnecessary technical fouls. Tim Hardaway Jr., a veteran on the young Detroit squad, also helped pull Holland back, recognizing that the last thing the Pistons needed was to give the Knicks extra momentum.
Cade Cunningham shoves away his own teammate, Ron Holland II, so he won't get a technical (with replays)
No hostile act upon review, just take foul by Towns. pic.twitter.com/UPTO6fPdZP— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA)
Hardaway Jr. and Cunningham’s quick interventions proved crucial. Instead of Holland picking up a technical and handing the Knicks a free throw, the scuffle ended with a take foul on Towns, resulting in a Detroit free throw and possession.
This wasn’t the first time tempers flared in this chippy series. In the first quarter of Game 3, Mitchell Robinson and Paul Reed each picked up technical fouls after a separate scuffle, with Towns also earning a technical of his own.
The playoff intensity in this matchup is palpable. Cunningham’s quick thinking in this stretch of the game was vital. Detroit’s offense in the first half of Game 4 was egregious, to say the least — at one point, the Pistons had recorded more turnovers than made field goals. The last thing they needed was an emotional outburst to dig the hole even deeper — and Cunningham understood that better than anyone.
Cunningham’s leadership in this series has been a major bright spot for Detroit. On the floor, he’s posted dominant performances, averaging 26 points, 8.3 assists, and 8.3 rebounds across the first three games. His ability to stay poised and keep his teammates composed is a major reason why the Pistons remain competitive against a well-rounded Knicks squad.
In a heated playoff environment where emotions often get the best of even seasoned veterans, Cunningham’s maturity has firmly established him as the leader of the Pistons.
As Detroit continues to battle in Game 4, they also look to snap their brutal eight-game home playoff losing streak. If the Pistons can tie the series 2-2 and head back to New York, they’ll have solidified themselves as a true threat in the Eastern Conference.
