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Audio Leaks of Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham Trash Talking Rockets

Cade Cunningham puts together big outing in Pistons win vs Rockets.
Jan 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA;  Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Jan 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

On Monday, the Detroit Pistons hit the road for one of their longest road trips of the season. First up was an MLK Day matchup against Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets. Similar to what he's done all season, Cade Cunningham dazzled as he continued to grow his All-Star case.

After dropping their lost two games, Cunningham did everything in his power to get the Pistons back in the win column. He'd do so in a big way against the Rockets, erupting for 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the 107-96 victory.

One of Cunningham's best plays of the afternoon came late in the third quarter. The Pistons star split a pair of defenders at the three-point line and proceeded to throw down a thunderous dunk over an outstretched Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. Cunningham's emotions were running high after the play, as audio picked up his explicit trash talk to the Rockets' defense after the slam.

Sitting among the league-leaders in assists per game, Cunningham's playmaking has been one of the more talked about facets of his game. That said, he's put together an array of big scoring barrages as well. Monday marked the ninth time he's scored at least 32 points this year. Cunningham's season-high remains at 40 points, a mark he reached earlier this month against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Through the first half of the season, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 9.3 APG. With Detroit continuing to hover at or above .500, he has a strong case to get an All-Star nod.

Following their victory over the Rockets, the Pistons will be back in action again Wednesday to take on the Atlanta Hawks.

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Kevin McCormick
KEVIN MCCORMICK

Since graduating from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management, he's gone on to pursue a career in journalism covering the NBA. Some of his previous bylines include 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, and Sportskeeda.