Cade Cunningham

One well-executed fourth quarter shy of helping the Detroit Pistons steal a road Game One, Cade Cunningham took to his postgame presser pledging to be “sharper,” and prepared to adjust during attempt No. 2. Given his opportunity to put said sharpness to the test in transition, Cunningham weaves through traffic through a fluid-as-can-be behind-the-back dribble, allowing him to eliminate Mikal Bridges’ defensive resistance entirely. Left with only Josh Hart’s contest to contend with, Detroit’s All-Star floor general elevates and extends, powering home a one-handed throwdown to balloon the Pistons’ third quarter lead to 13. Aware of the New York Knicks’ come-from-behind abilities by now, Cunningham and the Pistons kept the opposition at arm’s length, tying the series with a six-point road win on April 21, 2025. Cunningham’s final box score included 33 points (on 11-of-21 shooting), 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a 3-pointer, guiding Motor City’s first postseason win since 2007-08.