Cade Cunningham recorded his third triple-double of the season with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Detroit Pistons dominated the Charlotte Hornets 114-97 at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night, snapping a three-game losing streak that had the home crowd restless.
The third-year guard orchestrated the offense like a veteran conductor, shooting 8-of-16 from the field while committing just two turnovers in 34 minutes. His court vision was the catalyst for a balanced attack that saw six players reach double figures — the kind of team basketball that’s been elusive during Detroit’s rebuilding season.
Stewart Sparks Second-Quarter Surge
Detroit (8-15) broke open a sluggish start with a dominant 32-18 second quarter, using a blistering 16-2 run midway through the period to seize control. Isaiah Stewart ignited the surge with back-to-back three-pointers that sent Little Caesars Arena into a frenzy — part of his season-high 18 points that reminded everyone why the veteran forward was retained.
“Cade was getting everyone involved early, and when the shots started falling, we just kept our foot on the gas,” Stewart said after the game, still dripping sweat from the defensive effort. “We’ve been close in a lot of these games, so it felt good to finally put one away early.”
The dominance continued with Jalen Duren adding 16 points and 12 rebounds for his eighth double-double, while Ausar Thompson’s 14 points and seven assists off the bench provided the secondary scoring punch this team desperately needs. Detroit shot 47.8% from the field and connected on 14 of 35 three-point attempts — numbers that would make any coach smile.
Ball’s Absence Cripples Charlotte
Charlotte (6-17) played without star point guard LaMelo Ball, sidelined with a sprained left ankle, and his absence was glaring. The Hornets managed just 19 assists while coughing up 18 turnovers — the kind of sloppy basketball that gets coaches fired.
Terry Rozier led the visitors with 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting, but the veteran guard was essentially playing one-on-five. Miles Bridges added 19 points but went just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, extending his recent three-point shooting woes that have become a legitimate concern.
“We’ve got to take better care of the basketball,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said, his frustration evident. “Eighteen turnovers against a team that’s been getting out in transition — you’re not going to win many games like that.”
Center Mark Williams provided the lone bright spot with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but Charlotte shot just 41.3% from the field and was outrebounded 48-38. Simply put, they looked like a team missing its best player.
The Cunningham Show
This marked Cunningham’s most complete performance since returning from a four-game absence due to a shin injury. The former No. 1 overall pick has now recorded 15 games with at least 20 points and 8 assists this season — trailing only Luka Doncic and Trae Young among players 22 or younger.
His mid-range game looked effortless. His passes found teammates in rhythm. His leadership was undeniable.
“I’m feeling more comfortable each game back,” he said postgame. “The rhythm is coming back, and my teammates are making shots when I get them the ball. That makes everything easier.”
Detroit coach Monty Williams praised his floor general’s patience and decision-making throughout the contest. The 10 assists came without forcing the issue — a maturity that suggests the former Auburn star is finally putting it all together.
Building Something Special?
The victory moved Detroit within one game of .500 at home (6-7) and provided crucial confidence heading into a brutal stretch that includes Milwaukee on Friday. They’ve now won four of their last seven games — the kind of mini-run that can change a season’s trajectory.
For Charlotte, this loss extended their road struggles to 2-12 away from home. They’ve dropped four straight and 8 of their last 10 games, falling dangerously behind in the Eastern Conference playoff race with Ball’s return timeline still uncertain.
The real test comes Friday when Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks visit Little Caesars Arena. Can Cunningham and company build on this breakthrough, or was this just another false dawn in Detroit’s long rebuild?
