Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Cade Cunningham matches Pistons icon Isiah Thomas as Detroit ties series

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 1:15 AM ET

Putting on his proverbial cape when called upon, Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a much-needed Game 2 win on Thursday night. Cunningham even made some franchise history in the process.

Putting up 27 points in 37 minutes as the Pistons beat the Orlando Magic, 98-83, Cunningham joined Detroit icon Isiah Thomas on an exclusive list.

Cade Cunningham joined a Pistons legend in making history

Cunningham became only the second Pistons player along with Thomas, who did it 10 times, to ever record multiple playoff games with at least 25 points and 10-plus assists. In addition to his 27 points, Cunningham also dished out 11 helpers and brought down six rebounds, making him four boards shy of a triple-double as well.

He connected on 11-of-19 shots from the field and added one three.

Cade Cunningham Isiah Thomas

With tonight's performance, Cunningham joins Thomas (10x) as the only players in Pistons franchise history to record multiple postseason games with 25+ points and 10+ assists! https://t.co/AuvT9wT3XP pic.twitter.com/lW15vSRORt
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 23, 2026

But despite Cunningham's performance, the story of the game was also about Detroit's defensive prowess. The Pistons held Orlando to just 16 points in the third quarter and 21 in both the first and fourth sessions, respectively.

Pressure is still on Detroit as the series shifts to Game 3 in Orlando

With the series now even at 1-1 and headed to Orlando for a Game 3 on Saturday, the pressure is still on Cunningham to stay at his current level and play like the MVP candidate he was throughout most of the regular season.

As Cunningham led the way, Jalen Duren had only 11 points and Tobias Harris was Detroit's second leading scorer with 16, still leaving the lingering questions about if the Pistons could generate enough offensive production collectively to go on a deep run.

The next opening tipoff between the Pistons and Magic is set for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday from the Kia Center in Orlando.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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