Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham made an unwanted piece of NBA history during his team’s Monday night loss to the Orlando Magic. The eighth-seeded Magic beat the top-seeded Pistons 94–88 in Game 4, pushing their series lead to 3–1 in the best-of-seven first-round matchup. Considering the Pistons’ consistency throughout the regular season and Orlando’s ups and downs, the fact that the Magic now have Detroit on the brink of elimination is stunning.
A major issue for the Pistons has been turnovers—playoff basketball demands ball security, and mistakes get punished. In Game 4, Orlando committed just 10 turnovers while Detroit had 20, exactly double, which played a huge role in the loss.
Cade Cunningham’s Unwanted NBA Record
Cunningham, in particular, has uncharacteristically struggled with ball control for an All-NBA caliber player. According to ESPN Insights, “MotorCade” set an NBA record Monday with eight turnovers. Combined with nine in Game 3 and seven in Game 2, Cunningham now has 24 turnovers over a three-game playoff stretch the most since the league began tracking the stat in 1977–78. As Detroit’s best player, his carelessness is a key reason the top-seeded Pistons trail the eighth-seeded Magic 3–1. Cunningham must improve dramatically for Detroit to win three straight and avoid a first-round upset.
Jalen Duren Also Struggling
Alongside Cunningham, center Jalen Duren has also underperformed. In Game 4, he scored just 12 points, following outings of 8, 11, and 8 points in the first three games. That’s far below what the Pistons need from their other All-Star.
The Pistons are loaded with talent, but this series has exposed them at the worst time. If they lose, management may consider a coaching change despite head coach J.B. being a Coach of the Year candidate failing to beat the eighth seed could put the blame on him. Detroit still has a chance to rally and win three straight, but for that to happen, Cunningham and Duren must elevate their play significantly.
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