JB Bickerstaff makes Cade Cunningham’s MVP statement

The Detroit Pistons finished their season against the New York Knicks after a 126-111 win at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

It was the first and only regular season game between the two teams at MSG, the historic arena that regularly serves as the national stage for the crowning of young breakout players. Two-time All-Star Cade Cunningham he took advantage of that platform and delivered a career performance to seal the win for the Pistons.

New York couldn’t stop Cunningham, who finished his night with 42 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and two blocks. Cunningham has looked dominant against the Knicks all season, averaging 27.3 points and 11 assists per game in three games against New York. Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff doubled the emergence of his point guard by signing Cunningham as the league’s MVP.

“He’s been that way all year. I don’t think you pick an MVP based on just one game or one statement. He’s been like this all season long. He’s dominated on both ends of the floor and impacted the win in a big way,” Bickerstaff explained during the game. press conference after the game. “It’s just another night where he’s the same and does what he’s done for us night after night. Credit to him, credit to his work, credit to his conditioning, his will to win, his ability to be a great teammate and lead. That’s what he’s been all season.”

Even Cunningham believes he is worthy of a regular season award. When asked about his MVP case, he didn’t shy away from his true feelings by giving a brief explanation.

“I think I am (the MVP). And if you don’t agree with me, that’s your opinion,” Cunningham ESPN exclaimed.

The Pistons continue to dominate the Knicks

This is still one of the most anticipated matches in the league. Last year’s first-round battle served as one of the best postseason battles of the spring. The Pistons weren’t shy about the motivation behind that first-round loss when they faced the Knicks.

Detroit held clear momentum against the Knicks for most of the night. New York led only briefly in the first half before the Pistons found their groove on both ends of the floor and never looked back.

The lead of the Pistons increased to 19 points in the second half. They did a solid job responding to the runs New York made by forcing timely turnovers and converting offensively.

This breakdown was done with another depleted Pistons roster, as centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were out. serving a suspension for their fight against the Charlotte Hornets. Duren will be available for the next game on Saturday as his two-game suspension is now over. Stewart has five games left on his seven-game suspension.

Utility center Paul Reed had another impressive game for the Pistons, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 29 minutes. Forward Tobias Harris added a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Pistons bench also made its presence felt, scoring 36 points to help in the win.