Pistons get revenge on Celtics behind another MVP-level performance from Cade Cunningham

Simply put, Cunningham had himself a night to help the Pistons improve to 21-5 as they remain atop the Eastern Conference standings by 2.5 games over the New York Knicks (18-7).

Cunningham is currently averaging the 11th-most points per game (26.9 PPG) and is second in assists (9.1 APG), but his latest clutch performance on Monday night was a dose of revenge against the Celtics.

On Nov. 26, Boston ended Detroit's franchise record-tying 13-game winning streak after Cunningham, who had 42 in the loss, missed the tying free throw in the closing seconds.

Cade Cunningham's clutch performance spoils Derrick White's second-half takeover

As good as Cunningham was for the Pistons, White was just as important for the Celtics. Guard Jaylen Brown may have led the team with 34 points (13-of-25 FG), eight rebounds and seven assists, but White kept the Celtics in contention late with 23 of his season-high 31 points coming in the second half.

That ultimately did not matter as forward Tobias Harris and guard Caris LeVert each had 13 points to contribute to Cunningham's effort, which was enough to help Detroit avenge the prior loss to Boston and hand the Celtics their second straight defeat after stringing together five straight wins.

Now in his fifth NBA season, Cunningham has improved each season and is currently on pace for his best season to date. Monday was just the latest example of the type of MVP performances he brings to Detroit and why the Pistons are finally looking like a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference as they look to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2005.