Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham continues to establish himself as a leading NBA star, following an impressive career year last season. On February 19th, Cunningham demonstrated his rising dominance in a key game at Madison Square Garden, where the Pistons faced the New York Knicks in their first contest after the All-Star break.
Despite missing their All-Star center Jalen Duren, the Pistons secured a 126-111 win, fueled largely by Cunningham’s outstanding effort. The 24-year-old finished the night with 42 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists, an all-around performance that placed him in elite company among NBA greats.
Cade Cunningham looked like Kobe last night,
Stephen A. said.
Cade Cunningham looked like LeBron last night. Cade Cunningham looked like Jordan last night. At the Garden.
DeMarcus Cousins Identifies Cunningham as MVP Leader Amid Strong Season
Following the victory and Detroit’s hold on first place in the Eastern Conference, MVP conversations have intensified around Cade Cunningham. His remarkable play has attracted attention from both fans and analysts, including former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.
On the February 20th episode of FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show, Cousins expressed his view on the MVP race, naming Cunningham as his top candidate alongside Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown.
First and second is Cade then Jaylen Brown, then it’s everybody else. That’s just my opinion.
— DeMarcus Cousins
Through the season, Cunningham has propelled the Pistons to the top Eastern Conference position for much of the campaign, averaging 25.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game. Maintaining these statistics will likely secure him a strong standing among MVP voters.
Cunningham’s Confident Remarks on His MVP Candidacy
Cunningham himself dismisses any debate about the MVP title. Recently branding himself as the best American player in the league, he reinforced this stance following his near triple-double performance versus the Knicks.
In a postgame interview with ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill, Cunningham boldly claimed the MVP award for himself.
I think I am [MVP],
Cunningham told ESPN.
And if you don’t agree with me, that’s your opinion.
With about six weeks remaining in the regular season, Cade Cunningham aims to maintain his momentum and persuade voters that he is the most valuable player in the NBA this year, further strengthening Detroit’s position and his own legacy.
.@stephenasmith saw some familiar traits in Cade Cunningham last night after he went off for 42 pts and 13 assists 👀 pic.twitter.com/cuZgpfOlI8
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 20, 2026
No SGA, No Jokic 😳@boogiecousins has Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown as his top two MVP candidates! pic.twitter.com/OdjS5o8i1l
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 20, 2026
