All articles tagged with #pistons
Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung after a rib collision, forcing him home and delaying his return as he is reevaluated in two weeks. Because MVP eligibility hinges on playing a minimum number of games (with a minutes component), his absence could push him off the ballot despite Detroit's strong season, especially with only about six regular-season games left and a looming playoff push.
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has a collapsed lung and will miss an extended period (roughly 3–8 weeks) per Shams Charania, threatening Detroit’s bid for a deep playoff run. Cunningham has averaged about 24.5 points, 10 assists and 5.6 rebounds, and the Pistons entered the season with the East’s best record; the playoffs begin in mid-April as the team navigates his absence.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a left pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and will miss extended time, with re-evaluation in two weeks and cautious optimism for a playoff return; his absence could sap Detroit’s high-powered offense, though the team remains defensively solid.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a mild left lung pneumothorax and will miss at least two weeks, with team optimism to return for the start of the NBA Playoffs; he left Tuesday’s game with back spasms, and Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists as Detroit leads the East.
Cleveland edged Detroit 113-109 in a revenge win, with James Harden delivering steady playmaking to stabilize the Cavaliers’ offense despite a 5-for-17 shooting night and five turnovers. Evan Mobley and Jaylon Tyson provided scoring bursts (Tyson 22 points off the bench) while Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant helped drive the late push. Jarrett Allen left early with a knee issue (Incomplete grade), and others like Sam Merrill, Keon Ellis, and Craig Porter Jr. contributed variable minutes. Overall, Harden’s floor-general presence kept Cleveland from sinking as the Cavs leaned on a balanced supporting cast to seal the victory.
Cleveland, down Harden and Mitchell, fell short to Detroit as an anonymous Cavs player claimed the Pistons aren’t in their class. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff rejected the anonymous remark, saying it’s preferable to own one’s words, while the teams prepared for a rematch and noted the potential playoff familiarity between the two franchises.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns in playoff-like fashion to spark Oklahoma City in an overtime win over Nikola Jokić and Denver, while Detroit pulls off a late OT rally to top Cleveland in Cade Cunningham’s absence. The night also features high-scoring showings from Boston and New York, and a marquee ABC matchup as Luka Dončić celebrates his 27th birthday with the Lakers visiting the Warriors; Houston looks to slow Miami on Prime as the playoff races heat up.
ESPN's Cavaliers–Pistons All-Access broadcast was interrupted when a malfunctioning arena horn blared for 12.5 minutes during Donovan Mitchell's interview, forcing staff to switch to a handheld air horn for the remainder of the game.
In Detroit, a heated first half of the Spurs-Pistons game saw tempers flare and benches on edge as Cade Cunningham faced Victor Wembanyama, with sideline shouts from Spurs coach Mitch Johnson and Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, while Devin Vassell contributed early scoring for San Antonio.
San Antonio surrounded Victor Wembanyama with shooters and ball handlers, hitting 18 threes to Detroit's seven as the Spurs beat the Pistons 114-103. Devin Vassell (28) and Julian Champagnie (17) carried the offense while Cade Cunningham struggled (5-for-26), highlighting Detroit's lack of reliable shooting and playmaking around him in a playoff-like, bounce-back game for a top opponent.
San Antonio remains No. 1 in NBA.com’s Week 19 Power Rankings after an 8‑0 February, while Detroit surges to No. 2 behind a 17‑of‑21 run and a season sweep of the Knicks. Oklahoma City sits No. 3 and New York is No. 4, with Boston at No. 5 despite Jayson Tatum’s uncertain status. Washington jumps two spots and Indiana falls two as the league navigates a crowded late‑season schedule. Denver is highlighted as Week 19’s team to watch amid a tough West slate, and the Suns deal with Booker’s hip strain and Brooks’ hand injury while Embiid’s absence continues to loosen Philadelphia’s rhythm. The week features marquee matchups and interconference tests as teams chase seeding in the final stretch.
New York failed to feed Karl-Anthony Towns early as a center-less Pistons squad—without Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to suspensions—built a halftime lead and held on for the win. Towns finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists but only took three shots in the first half, then provided a spark in the third quarter. Coach Mike Brown said the Knicks will continue to run their system and search for ways to free Towns, who is having a down shooting season. The Knicks dropped the game and sit 0-3 in a stretch against the East’s No. 1 seed.
Detroit rebuilt from a 14-win club into a physically tough, paint‑focused team under coach J.B. Bickerstaff and front office leader Trajan Langdon, adding veteran leadership and developing Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart while Rick Mahorn serves as a link to the Bad Boys era. The strategy emphasizes grit, structure and defense, lifting the Pistons into the league’s top defensive ranks and sparking a dramatic win increase, signaling a return to relevancy with an identity that blends old-school toughness with today’s NBA realities.
A heated second-half confrontation between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets led to four players being ejected, including Jalen Duren, Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges, as Detroit prevailed in Charlotte.
In Charlotte, a heated third-quarter clash between the Hornets and Pistons escalated into an unsanctioned brawl when Jalen Duren and Moussa Diabaté fought, followed by Miles Bridges and Isaiah Stewart; Stewart even charged from the bench. Four players were ejected—Duren and Stewart for Detroit; Diabaté and Bridges for Charlotte—with league suspensions expected.