On Tuesday night in Cleveland, the Detroit Pistons faced a narrow 109-113 defeat against the Cavaliers, despite a spirited late rally. The Pistons outscored the Cavs 29-24 in the final quarter, but that effort fell just short of securing a win. This outcome evens the regular season series between the two teams at 2-2, with each team winning once on their opponent’s home court. Given that Cleveland accounts for two of Detroit’s fifteen losses this season, they remain a formidable potential opponent in the playoffs.
Coach Bickerstaff Defends Cade Cunningham Amid Criticism
Following the loss, considerable criticism targeted Pistons star Cade Cunningham for his subdued scoring display. Yet, Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff publicly dismissed such critiques, emphasizing Cunningham’s overall contribution rather than just points scored. Bickerstaff drew attention to Cunningham’s 14 assists during the game, stressing his playmaking responsibilities amid Cleveland’s defensive pressure.
“He had 14 assists, so he did the right thing. If they’re going to continue to send that amount of bodies at him, he finds teammates. That’s his responsibility. … I’m baffled by the fact that he drives as much as he does and tonight he shoots two free throws.” — Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) March 4, 2026
J.B. Bickerstaff added:
“He had 14 assists, so he did the right thing. If they’re going to continue to send that amount of bodies at him, he finds teammates. That’s his responsibility. … I’m baffled by the fact that he drives as much as he does and tonight he shoots two free throws.”
Bickerstaff’s remarks reveal his confidence in Cunningham’s approach to the game, highlighting the veteran coach’s recognition of the challenges posed by Cleveland’s defense and a subtle call for fair officiating.
Cade Cunningham’s Statistical Performance in Review
Cunningham’s stat line reflected some struggles, as he posted 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting, including an 0-for-3 effort from beyond the arc. Beyond scoring, he contributed across other facets with 6 rebounds, added 14 assists, plus one block and one steal. However, turnovers remained an issue, with Cunningham losing possession five times. He was also the only starter with a negative plus-minus rating of minus 11, contrasting with his teammates who all had positive impact metrics.
While plus-minus ratings don’t tell the full story according to analysts and coaches, Cunningham’s 25 percent shooting and negative markings point to a challenging evening. As Coach Bickerstaff noted, the Cavaliers’ defensive plan involved sending multiple defenders to pressure Cunningham, forcing him to rely heavily on distributing the ball to teammates as part of his role.
The officiating also appeared unfavorable to the Pistons, especially Cunningham, who attempted 13 shots inside the three-point line but was awarded only a single foul call. This suggests a tougher, less forgiving whistle from the referees in Cleveland compared to what Cunningham is accustomed to on other courts.
Maintaining Composure Ahead of Upcoming Challenges
Although Tuesday’s outing was disappointing for Cade Cunningham, it is crucial the young star maintains his confidence and focus moving forward. The Pistons face another challenging road game against the San Antonio Spurs next, making it imperative for Cunningham to elevate his performance if Detroit hopes to secure a win in tomorrow’s rematch.
J.B. Bickerstaff’s vocal support alongside Cunningham’s proven ability to create opportunities demonstrates the team’s unity and resilience as they navigate a demanding stretch of their schedule.
J.B. on Cade:
“He had 14 assists, so he did the right thing. If they’re going to continue to send that amount of bodies at him, he finds teammates. That’s his responsibility. … I’m baffled by the fact that he drives as much as he does and tonight he shoots two free throws.”
— Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) March 4, 2026
