Cade Cunningham gives injury update after Kings win

Cade Cunningham returned to All-Star form in a win over the Detroit Pistons against the Sacramento Kings. After cold scoring over the past four games, Cunningham snapped out of that funk, recording his 23rd double-double of the season with 29 points and 11 assists. He also made a defensive splash adding three steals and one block.

Doc playing with a right wrist contusionCunningham’s production as a scorer and playmaker has noticeably declined. His efficiency has been staggering as he’s hit just 18 of 60 field goal attempts, a 30% average, since the January 15th matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Cunningham talked about the current situation about his injury and how he tried to overcome it after Sunday’s win.

“It was a mental battle as far as figuring out how I could help us. Because I didn’t like how I felt when I was shooting, and I was constantly flinching when I was shooting. I didn’t know how I was going to feel because sometimes it hurt. Sometimes I could get free and the ball would come out well,” Cunningham explained. “It took me a while, but I thought it was a great rep for me. I think it was a great experience trying to find ways to help the team.”

Cunningham confirmed the injury started after a bad fall against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 4. The Pistons’ medical team wrapped the wrist for weeks to protect it and monitor pain and production on the court. Cunningham was able to warm up and play without a bandage on his wrist against the Kings, showing that progress has been made.

Sacramento struggled to contain Detroit’s star guard during the explosion. Cunningham’s efficiency was once again in good shape as he went 13 of 22 from the field and 3 of 5 from 3-point range in 30 minutes of action. 19 of his 29 points came in the first half as the Pistons were in cruise control before the end of the fourth quarter.

Balanced team attack

The Pistons have done a great job of getting production from everyone on the roster. After an underwhelming first quarter, Detroit came out on top with a dominant performance in the second quarter, scoring 43 points compared to just 30 from the Kings. Halftime ensured a comfortable lead for the Pistons leading 78-65. Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff spoke to the media about the quality play that led to their breakthrough in the second quarter.

“Yeah, I thought the guys came out and took care of business and did the things that we knew would lead us to success.
thought our pace was great. I thought our ball movement was great,” Bickerstaff said. “Obviously we shot. I started off a little slow, missed a few bunnies and such. But the boys tried to do the right thing. And the more we did the right thing, they made baskets for each other.”

Detroit rebounded well offensively with its second-highest scoring game of the season. Eight different players finished the day scoring in double figures. Their ball movement was impressive, connecting on 31 assists on 50 field goals made. That offensive performance extended to the perimeter as well, where they hit 16 of 31 3-point attempts as a team.

Their defensive detail remained intact as they forced 19 turnovers. Detroit had active hands throughout the game, racking up 15 steals.

Center Jalen Duren he finished the night with 18 points in just 23 minutes. Forward Tobias Harris scored 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-point range. Guard Duncan Robinson added 13 points in 24 minutes. Dennis Jenkins, Ron Holland, JaVonte Green and Jaden Ivey each scored 11 points for the Pistons.