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Pistons Edge Hawks in Nail-Biter, Courtesy of Cunningham’s Record-Equalling Triple-Double

Cunningham’s Stellar Performance

Cade Cunningham once again showcased his dominance on the court, scoring the decisive basket with only 8.5 seconds on the clock, thereby leading the Detroit Pistons to a thrilling 122-121 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. The game marked Cunningham’s third straight triple-double, with the rising star notching up 22 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His performance was bolstered by teammates Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris, who also netted 22 points each.

Cunningham’s triple-double streak put him on par with Grant Hill for the franchise’s longest in history. Furthermore, this marked the fifth triple-double of his career, tying with Isiah Thomas for the second-highest in Pistons’ history.

The Hawks’ Late Surge and Pistons’ Rejoinder

Trae Young clawed back the first lead for the Hawks with just 12.5 seconds remaining. However, Cunningham’s prowess showed as he maneuvered amidst defense and landed a hook shot, reclaiming the lead for Detroit. An attempt by Young to snatch victory was thwarted as Cunningham blocked Onyeka Okongwu’s shot as the buzzer sounded.

Young’s contribution to the Hawks was noteworthy, with 35 points and 13 assists, while Jalen Johnson added 20 points. Despite trailing by 24 points in the first half, the Hawks rallied, tying the game on Dyson Daniels’ floater with just over three and a half minutes remaining.

Key Takeaways from the Game

The Hawks were heavily reliant on Young until their late rally. His fourth-quarter performance, with seven assists and ten points, was instrumental. On the Pistons’ side, despite Cunningham’s low first-half scoring, his contribution in terms of rebounds and assists helped Detroit build a substantial lead.

Pivotal Moments and Stats

Detroit held an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but a dunk and a 3-pointer from Larry Nance Jr. brought the Hawks within touching distance. Worth noting is how the Hawks outscored the Pistons 98-82 in the final three quarters.

Looking Ahead

After this intense showdown, Atlanta will return home to face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, while Detroit will welcome the Houston Rockets on Sunday afternoon. With the momentum from this victory, the Pistons will be looking to extend their winning streak.