Cade Cunningham shines in return as Pistons dominate Pacers

In Indianapolis, on Friday night, the Detroit Pistons faced the Indiana Pacers in an NBA Cup matchup. Cade Cunningham made his return from a three-game absence due to a back injury, contributing significantly to his team with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Alongside him, Jaden Ivey scored 23 points, helping the Pistons secure a convincing 130-106 victory over the Pacers. The win marked a critical improvement for Detroit, which had recently struggled with four losses in their previous five games. The game showcased the Pistons' strong shooting, as they hit a season-high 57.8% from the field and made 18 three-pointers, a pivotal factor in their offensive effectiveness. Cunningham, known for his scoring ability, continued his impressive streak against the Pacers, having achieved over 20 points in eight consecutive games against them. Malik Beasley also played a key role in the victory, adding 22 points to the scoreboard. In contrast, the Pacers faced challenges throughout the match, failing to maintain their defensive efforts and struggling with their shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Despite a strong performance from Pascal Siakam, who scored 21 points, the Pacers fell to 0-3 in the NBA Cup, leading to their elimination from the knockout round. This loss was particularly disappointing for Indiana, which had hoped to bounce back after securing three consecutive home wins earlier in the season. As the game progressed, Detroit's lead grew, particularly following a crucial stretch where Ivey hit consecutive three-pointers, marking the beginning of a significant scoring run that widened the gap to 22 points early in the fourth quarter. As a result of this victory, the Pistons improved their overall record to 9-12 and moved into a tie for first place in East Group B alongside the Milwaukee Bucks. The game served as a reminder of the Pistons' potential when their roster is healthy, setting the stage for their next challenge against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, while the Pacers prepared to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.