Unlike their first-round series against the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons have opened the conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers in dominant fashion. Detroit now lead the series 2-0 after another impressive display on Thursday night.
Cade Cunningham has been central to that strong start throughout the postseason. The 24-year-old guard continues proving he is riding a path to join conversations involving some of the greatest players in Pistons history.
His latest performance against Cleveland only strengthened that argument further. Cunningham delivered another outstanding all-around display while also reaching a playoff milestone previously achieved only by franchise icon Isiah Thomas.
Cade Cunningham tied Isiah Thomas in playoff games with 25+ points and 10+ assists
With his performance in Game 2, Cunningham tied Thomas for the most playoff games in Pistons history with at least 25 points and 10 assists in a single postseason.
According to ESPN, Thomas recorded that feat three times during the 1985 playoffs. Cunningham has now matched the legendary point guard after producing another huge outing against Cleveland on Thursday night.
The Pistons star finished the victory with exactly 25 points and 10 assists during Detroit’s 107-97 win. Even more impressively, Cunningham scored 20 of those points during the second half when the game remained tightly contested.
That stretch again highlighted Cunningham’s growing reputation for stepping up in decisive moments. Whenever Detroit needed composure or offensive production, the young guard consistently responded throughout the closing stages.
Detroit’s supporting cast also impressed in Game 2
While Cunningham eventually dominated the game offensively in the second half, Detroit also benefited from strong scoring contributions across the roster. That support became especially important after his quieter performance earlier.
The series could prove crucial for building long-term confidence within the Pistons squad as several players have already shown they can help carry the offensive burden during difficult stretches.
Detroit had five players besides Cunningham who scored double-digit points in Game 1. In Thursday’s Game 2 victory, four additional Pistons players also reached double figures.