Cade Cunningham Sparks Pistons’ Comeback Win Over 76ers

At halftime Sunday night in Philadelphia, it looked as if the Detroit Pistons’ five-game winning streak was about to end. The 76ers were sharp, energized, and executing flawlessly despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Detroit, meanwhile, appeared sluggish — flat-footed on defense and unable to find rhythm offensively.

But the game shifted dramatically after the break. Cade Cunningham, quiet through two quarters, erupted in the second half to fuel an unlikely comeback. Scoring 24 of his 26 points after halftime — including a soaring dunk over former Piston Andre Drummond in the final minutes — Cunningham powered Detroit to a 111-108 victory and an 8-2 record, the team’s best 10-game start since 2005-06.

“It’s not hard to believe,” Cunningham said after the win. “We were low before, but we’ve got guys who have always been winners. We just had to figure it out together.” His words echoed the Pistons’ transformation from the depths of a 14-68 season two years ago to an emerging Eastern Conference contender.

Cunningham’s poise and playmaking have anchored Detroit’s turnaround. Coming off his first All-Star and All-NBA campaign last season, he’s currently leading the league in assists while continuing to evolve into one of basketball’s most complete guards.

1. Cunningham’s Heroics Define the Night

Cunningham entered the game on a torrid stretch — three straight 30-point outings and four in his last five games — but his first half in Philadelphia was an outlier. He managed only two points on 1-for-9 shooting, and the Pistons trailed by 13 midway through the third quarter. Then, almost on cue, Cunningham took over. He exploded for 17 points in the third quarter alone, orchestrating a furious rally that silenced the home crowd and erased Philadelphia’s double-digit lead. His late dunk over Drummond became the game’s defining highlight, punctuating his takeover performance and sealing the win. “Man, he could get one of those every game,” teammate Jalen Duren said with a grin. “I keep saying it — he’s the best guard in the NBA. Plays like that show why.” Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 32 points and seven assists, but Detroit’s defense held strong in the final minutes. The Pistons outscored Philadelphia 33-23 in the third and held them to 20 fourth-quarter points, displaying a composure that has become a hallmark of their resurgence under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

2. Duren’s Breakout Adds Strength to Detroit’s Core

While Cunningham’s performance grabbed headlines, Jalen Duren’s consistent dominance has been equally crucial to Detroit’s hot start. The 20-year-old center posted 21 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals — his sixth 20-point game of the season. His energy, rim protection, and communication have anchored a Pistons defense that ranks third in the NBA through 10 games. “He’s been dominant,” Bickerstaff said. “He protects the rim, rebounds, runs the floor, and connects us on both ends. He’s grown into an elite communicator, which is huge for our defense.” Duren’s leap has been striking. Averaging 19.4 points this season, he has nearly doubled his scoring output from a year ago while continuing to evolve as a defensive force. His chemistry with Cunningham, especially in pick-and-roll situations, has made Detroit’s offense far more dynamic. Both players endured the frustration of Detroit’s 14-win season two years ago — an experience that forged their leadership. Now, they are the centerpiece of a franchise that suddenly finds itself near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, trailing only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

3. A New Standard in Detroit

The Pistons’ revival under Bickerstaff has been built on defense, unselfish play, and quiet confidence — all qualities embodied by Cunningham. The young guard’s mindset remains steady even amid early-season success. “I’m not above myself because we’re 8-2,” he said. “We want something bigger than this. We just want to keep our heads down and keep working.” Duren echoed that belief, saying, “Sky’s the limit. If we keep following Coach, keep defending and playing together, there’s no telling how far we can go.” That focus on growth over celebration has given the Pistons an identity that feels both grounded and ambitious. Detroit’s resurgence has not come from splashy roster moves or superstar additions. Instead, it’s the product of internal development, resilience, and a shared belief that better days were always within reach. The players who endured the franchise’s lowest point are now the ones driving its rebirth. As they left the court Sunday, the Pistons didn’t celebrate wildly. Their postgame demeanor matched the tone Cunningham set — confident, focused, and aware that this is only the beginning.