DETROIT (AP) — In a remarkable performance, rookie Cade Cunningham contributed 19 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds to secure a 112-102 win for the Detroit Pistons against the short-handed Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Notably, this triple-double marked Cunningham’s eighth of the season, ranking as the third-highest in the franchise’s history. Grant Hill achieved 13 in 1996-97 and 10 in 1995-96, standing as the top performers in this category.
Joining Cunningham in the standout performance for the Pistons was Tobias Harris, who added 20 points to the scoreboard. Jalen Duren also made a significant impact with 16 points and 12 rebounds, contributing to the team’s lead throughout the game. On the opposing side, Miles Bridges led the Hornets with an impressive 30 points, while Seth Curry added 26 in a losing effort.
The Pistons maintained control of the game, never trailing the Hornets and securing a 90-73 lead heading into the final quarter. Despite a strong start to the fourth quarter by the Hornets with a 14-0 run, Cunningham and Dennis Schroeder’s timely baskets regained momentum for Detroit, ultimately leading them to a well-deserved victory.
Injury updates affected both teams, with Hornets’ LaMelo Ball and Nick Smith Jr. ruled out due to ankle and back injuries, respectively. Additionally, Moussa Diabate left the game early in the second quarter after a collision with Isaiah Stewart. On the Pistons’ side, newly acquired Schroeder made his debut, contributing five points and three assists as the backup point guard.
A key moment in the game was the Pistons’ dominant start, establishing a commanding 39-15 lead after the first quarter. Harris and Malik Beasley showcased their scoring prowess, outscoring the Hornets by 10 points and tying a franchise record for the largest first-quarter lead.
A notable statistic from the game was Charlotte’s shooting struggles, as they shot a mere 30% from the field and turned the ball over eight times in the opening quarter. Looking ahead, the Hornets will face the Brooklyn Nets in a road game on Monday, while the Pistons are set to play back-to-back games against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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