WASHINGTON — Cade Cunningham delivered a career-defining performance on Thursday night, scoring 52 points and dishing out 11 assists without committing a single turnover as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 144-140 in a dramatic double-overtime contest.
The performance was historic. Cunningham became the first player in NBA history since turnovers began being officially tracked in the 1977-78 season to record at least 50 points and 10 assists while finishing a game with zero turnovers, according to OptaSTATS.
The Detroit guard shot 16-of-25 from the field and converted 17 of his 18 free-throw attempts. His 52 points surpassed his previous career high of 46, which he had also recorded against Washington just over a year earlier. He scored 18 points in the fourth quarter and delivered crucial baskets as the contest stretched into extra time.
Washington refused to go quietly. Trae Young hit a three-pointer at the regulation buzzer to force the first overtime, while rookie AJ Dybantsa produced a late jumper to send the game into a second extra period. Cunningham responded with a three-pointer early in the second overtime, helping Detroit seize control before delivering another important basket in the closing stages.
Ausar Thompson also played a major role for the Pistons, recording 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his first career triple-double. Daniss Jenkins added 21 points as Detroit found enough support to survive Washington’s late pushes.
The Wizards had three players reach the 30-point mark. Young finished with 37 points and 14 assists, while Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr each scored 30. Despite the offensive production, Washington suffered its sixth consecutive defeat.
A Landmark Night For Cunningham
Cunningham’s achievement stands out not only because of the scoring total but also because of the remarkable ball security required to combine 50-plus points with double-digit assists and no turnovers. High-usage playmakers are routinely asked to create shots, handle defensive pressure and deliver passes in crowded areas. Doing all of that across a double-overtime game without giving the ball away underlines the scale of his performance.
For Detroit, the result was more than a road victory. It was another statement about Cunningham’s growing influence as the team’s offensive leader and his ability to take responsibility in decisive moments. The Pistons needed every one of his points to escape Washington with the win.
Final score: Detroit Pistons 144, Washington Wizards 140 (double overtime).
Sources: NBA.com official game summary and box score · Reuters game report · The Washington Post / Associated Press.