All Pistons

Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham Earns First Weekly NBA Honor

Cade Cunningham has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
Justin Grasso|
Dec 19, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles on Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles on Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

In this story:

Detroit Pistons

After a strong week, the NBA has named Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week.

It’s the first time in Cunningham’s career he has earned the weekly honor. He shares it with San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama.

Last Monday, the Pistons opened up their slate with a matchup against the Miami Heat. In an overtime thriller, Cunningham produced 20 points, 18 assists, and 11 rebounds. The Pistons defeated the Heat with a one-point victory.

A few nights later, the Pistons hosted the Utah Jazz. Although it was a disappointing outcome for the Pistons overall, Cunningham had a solid night for himself, producing 33 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in 38 minutes of action.

The week was capped off with an All-Star-caliber performance against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. As the Pistons worked on putting the Suns away with an eight-point win, Cunningham produced 28 points and 13 assists. He hit the dagger three to officially put the Suns away.

Cunningham’s first weekly honor goes well with his resume this year. For the first time in his career, the former No. 1 overall pick is making a strong case to earn a trip to the NBA All-Star game.

After Saturday’s win over Phoenix, Cunningham wrapped up his 25th game of the year. The veteran guard has averaged 24 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists throughout the season. He’s been knocking down shots at a 46 percent clip from the field and 39 percent from three.

Cunningham has helped the Pistons achieve a 12-17 record. They are two wins away from tying last year’s total, and they could get there before January. The Pistons return to the court on Monday night to face the Los Angeles Lakers.

Published
Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

Share on XFollow JGrasso_
Home/News