Cade Cunningham Returns Strong: “I Felt Really Good”
Cade Cunningham returns from injury and immediately records a double-double as Detroit Pistons dominate Milwaukee, gearing up for the playoffs as the East’s top contender
The return of Cade Cunningham couldn’t have been more convincing. After weeks on the sidelines, the Detroit Pistons star made his comeback by posting a double-double in a dominant 137-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Out since March 19 due to a collapsed lung suffered against Washington, Cunningham finished with 13 points and 10 assists in just 26 minutes, immediately showing rhythm and control.
His postgame feelings were more than positive:
I felt really good out there. I have to thank the medical staff and trainers because they got me back into the right condition to play with confidence
Cade Cunningham
A strong signal not just for the present, but especially with the playoffs approaching.
One of the most interesting aspects is how the team responded during Cade’s absence. The Pistons maintained a high level of performance, posting an 8-3 record without Cunningham.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff highlighted exactly that:
You never want to see an injury like that, but we couldn’t focus only on the negatives. No one can replace Cade, but everyone decided to bring the best version of themselves
J.B. Bickerstaff
A key step in the team’s growth, now entering the playoffs with greater depth.
The NBA Rule Case: Cunningham Risks Award Ineligibility
During his absence, Cunningham also became one of the central figures in the debate surrounding the NBA rule requiring at least 65 games played to be eligible for end-of-season awards.
Despite averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds, the maximum number of games he can reach is 64.
Bickerstaff addressed the situation:
I understand the purpose of the rule: fans pay to see stars play. But it puts us in a tough spot. There’s talk about exceptions, but it’s not clear how they work
J.B. Bickerstaff
An ongoing issue that could significantly impact All-NBA selections.
Pistons Dominant: First in the East and Playoff Ambitions
Detroit isn’t just celebrating the return of its star. The team has already secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 57-22 record, also clinching the Central Division for the first time in 18 years.
Now the goal is clear: win a playoff series again, something the franchise hasn’t done since the 2007-08 season.
According to Bickerstaff, the stretch without Cunningham provided something valuable:
Many guys got important minutes to grow and build confidence. We discovered new offensive and defensive solutions. You need that in the playoffs
J.B. Bickerstaff
Cade Cunningham’s return is only the first step. Now the question is how far these Pistons can go when it matters most.