Cade Cunningham’s return proved pivotal as the Detroit Pistons cruised to a commanding 130-106 victory over the Indiana Pacers in NBA Cup action on Friday night.
With Cunningham back after a three-game absence, Detroit showcased its offensive firepower and moved to a perfect 3-0 in NBA Cup play, tying Milwaukee atop East Group B.
Cunningham delivered a stellar performance, notching 24 points and 11 rebounds while knocking down four of Detroit’s 18 three-pointers. His influence was undeniable as the Pistons bounced back from a recent rough stretch, securing a win that brings their season record to 9-12. His scoring spree continued a personal streak—marking eight straight 20-plus-point games against Indiana.
Jaden Ivey played a crucial supporting role, dropping 23 points and providing timely shooting. It was Ivey’s back-to-back threes in the third quarter that sparked a decisive 22-11 run, blowing the game wide open. Detroit surged to an 85-64 lead with under five minutes left in the third, and Indiana never recovered.
Malik Beasley added to the offensive onslaught with 22 points of his own, proving to be a vital spark off the bench. Detroit’s three-point shooting was the story of the night, as they connected on a season-high 47.4% from deep (18 of 38).
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam led the scoring effort with 21 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 19 points and five assists. Despite their efforts, Indiana’s defense struggled to contain Detroit’s hot shooting, and their offensive rhythm was outmatched.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
The loss marks a grim milestone for the Pacers, who now sit at 0-3 in the NBA Cup and are officially eliminated from knockout-round contention. Once a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, Indiana’s inconsistency on the defensive end has proven costly, dropping them to a 9-11 record overall.
Detroit’s halftime lead of 10 points ballooned to as much as 22 early in the fourth quarter, showcasing their ability to maintain pressure throughout the game. The Pistons’ dominance was underscored by their season-best shooting percentage, hitting 57.8% from the field (48 of 83).
The Pacers, who had previously been resilient at home with come-from-behind wins, failed to generate the same spark on this occasion. Their inability to connect from beyond the arc, coupled with porous defense, left them vulnerable against Detroit’s balanced attack.
Cunningham’s return from a back injury couldn’t have come at a better time for Detroit. After dropping four of their previous five games, his presence reignited the Pistons’ energy, giving them the boost needed to stay competitive in the tightly contested NBA Cup standings.
Looking ahead, Detroit will face a formidable challenge when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. For Indiana, the road doesn’t get easier as they head to Memphis on Sunday, hoping to recalibrate and find their defensive identity.
The Pistons’ win not only solidifies their place in the NBA Cup conversation but also serves as a statement performance. With Cunningham leading the charge and a renewed sense of confidence, Detroit looks ready to keep building momentum as the season progresses.