Detroit Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham made an impressive return to the lineup on Wednesday night, recording a double-double in a decisive 137-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cunningham, who had been sidelined since March 19 due to a collapsed lung suffered during a victory over the Washington Wizards, finished with 13 points and 10 assists in just 26 minutes of play. “I felt really good out there,” Cunningham said after the game. “I have to thank the medical staff and the trainers, because they got me into a great place where I felt comfortable for all my minutes.”
Despite Cunningham’s absence, the Pistons managed to go 8-3, maintaining their momentum during the stretch run. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised the collective effort, saying, “No one thought they could replace Cade, but everyone decided they were going to be the best version of themselves. That’s enough for us to be successful.”
Cunningham, who has averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds in 61 games this season, remains a strong All-NBA First Team candidate. However, even if he plays in Detroit’s final three games, he would fall just short of the NBA’s 65-game requirement for seasonal awards eligibility.
“I respect what they are trying to do with the rule—fans pay a lot of money to see superstars play, not rest,” Bickerstaff commented. “It puts me in a tough spot, but I know people are talking about exceptions. I’m not sure how that works, so I’m just going to finish the season and see what happens.”
With a 57-22 record, the Pistons have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and secured the Central Division title for the first time in 18 years. The team now sets its sights on its first playoff series win since the 2007-08 season.
“A lot of our guys got some great reps to build confidence and learn new ways we can attack, both offensively and defensively,” Bickerstaff added. “That’s important, because you see so many different things in the playoffs.”
