### Detroit Pistons Showcase Resilience with Cade Cunningham's Late Game Heroics The Detroit Pistons demonstrated their competitive spirit in a thrilling matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, securing a 122-116 victory on December 5, 2025. Cade Cunningham emerged as the star of the night, scoring 29 points, including 13 crucial points in the fourth quarter, which propelled the Pistons to their win. This victory marks a continuation of the Pistons' strong performance this season, as they have been one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their ability to rally in high-pressure situations [https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/detroit-pistons-portland-trail-blazers-december-5, https://www.thv11.com/article/news/nation-world/cade-cunningham-has-29-points-and-9-assists-in-pistons-122-116-win-over-trail-blazers/616-c61f49b5-7794-4a10-9a6e-922ee7015692]. ### Breakdown of the Pistons' Recent Performance 1. **Game Against the Trail Blazers**: - Cade Cunningham's standout performance with 29 points and 9 assists. - Key fourth-quarter contributions helped secure the win. - The Pistons overcame a challenging game to maintain their winning momentum. 2. **Previous Game Against the Hawks**: - The Pistons narrowly defeated the Atlanta Hawks 99-98 on December 2, 2025. - Cunningham scored 18 points, with significant contributions in the final minutes. - Despite a sloppy performance with 22 turnovers, the Pistons managed to hold on for the win. 3. **Overall Season Performance**: - The Pistons have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, boasting a record of 17-4. - Their ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of their recent games. ### Supporting Evidence of Performance Metrics - **Cade Cunningham's Recent Stats**: - **Against the Trail Blazers**: 29 points, 9 assists, 13 points in the fourth quarter [https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/detroit-pistons-portland-trail-blazers-december-5]. - **Against the Hawks**: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6 steals [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pistons_secure_close_99_98_victory_against_hawks_in_sloppy_performance/s1_17668_43147218]. - **Team Performance**: - **Pistons vs. Hawks**: 22 turnovers, 44.2% shooting from the field, and 19.2% from three-point range [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pistons_edge_hawks_99_98/s1_17395_43149772]. - **Current Season Record**: 17 wins and 4 losses, indicating strong performance in the Eastern Conference [https://www.thv11.com/article/news/nation-world/cade-cunningham-has-29-points-and-9-assists-in-pistons-122-116-win-over-trail-blazers/616-c61f49b5-7794-4a10-9a6e-922ee7015692]. ### Conclusion: Pistons' Path Forward The Detroit Pistons are showcasing their potential as a formidable team in the NBA, driven by the exceptional talent of Cade Cunningham. 1. **Key Takeaways**: - **Cunningham's Impact**: His ability to perform in clutch moments is vital for the team's success. - **Team Resilience**: The Pistons have shown they can overcome challenges, as evidenced by their recent close games. 2. **Future Outlook**: - Continued focus on reducing turnovers and improving shooting efficiency will be crucial as the season progresses. - Maintaining their current form could position them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Pistons' recent performances highlight their growth and potential, making them a team to watch as the season unfolds [https://www.fox17online.com/sports/cunningham-stars-late-as-the-pistons-hang-on-to-beat-the-hawks-99-98].