Cade Cunningham delivered a performance for the history books Thursday night, pouring in a career-high 52 points to lead the Detroit Pistons past the Washington Wizards, 144–140, in a double-overtime thriller.
A career night — and an NBA first
Cunningham finished 16-for-25 from the field and 17-for-18 at the free-throw line, adding 11 assists and five rebounds. Most remarkable: he committed zero turnovers in 48 minutes.
According to OptaSTATS, Cunningham became the first player since the NBA began tracking turnovers in 1977–78 to record at least 50 points and 10 assists without a turnover. It was a historic combination of scoring and ball control on one of the league’s biggest stages.
Detroit survives a wild finish
The Wizards refused to go away. Trae Young hit a three-pointer at the regulation buzzer to force overtime, and rookie AJ Dybantsa sent the game into a second extra period with a late jumper. Cunningham answered with a three in the second overtime, then helped Detroit hold on for the four-point win.
Young led Washington with 37 points and 14 assists, while Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr each scored 30. Detroit’s Ausar Thompson also recorded the first triple-double of his career, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
For Cunningham, the 52-point outburst topped his previous career high of 46. For Detroit, it was another statement win in a season that is quickly gathering attention.
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