The final score of 124-91 looks like a standard win, but the real story is how the Pistons took control before the third quarter even ended. Cade Cunningham scored a season-high 33 points on Monday night in Charlotte, N.C., yet he did not even play in the fourth quarter, according to CT Insider. This means the Hornets had already lost the game by the time the final period started. The Associated Press noted that in only three quarters, Cunningham hit 13 of 20 shots while contributing five rebounds, five steals, and seven assists.
The young Hornets squad posted a 45-16 run in the third quarter. Reporting for Detroit Bad Boys indicated that 14 of Cunningham’s points came in fewer than three and a half minutes of playing time. Taking full responsibility for the team, he stated “We’re playing too well to not blow these guys out.” The Pistons extended their lead to 29 points when Duncan Robinson and Kevin Huerter hit back-to-back threes.
The Third Quarter Collapse
By the end of the third quarter, the Pistons held a 98-75 lead after starting with an 11-point halftime advantage. The Hornets coach, Charles Lee, decided to empty his bench early because the result was no longer in doubt. Brandon Miller finished with 17 points for Charlotte, while Naz Reid added 13, but it was not enough to stop the surge. Defending against such efficiency proved difficult as the Pistons made 57% of their floor attempts and 48% from deep.
With less than five minutes remaining in the second quarter, Dennis Schroder scored a layup to maintain a two-possession lead, yet the Hornets never returned to contention after that. The Pistons made 13 of their first 24 three-point attempts, setting a tone that the Hornets could not match. This performance marks the Pistons’ third straight win, showing a team that is finding its rhythm at the perfect time.
Shooting Numbers Tell the Story
The Detroit Bad Boys’ shooting stats are shown. At a certain stage of the game, the Pistons were converting more than 60% of their shots from the floor and 50% from three-point range. Duncan Robinson added 24 points behind six 3-pointers, giving the Hornets a hard time on the perimeter.
When 1:17 remained in the third quarter, Cunningham headed to the bench, indicating the coach believed the outcome was settled. This decision allowed the starters to rest while the reserves played out the final minutes. Hornets fans in the arena saw the game become a blowout faster than expected.
