WASHINGTON — Cade Cunningham delivered the most remarkable performance of his NBA career Thursday night, scoring 52 points with 11 assists and no turnovers as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 144–140 in double overtime. The 52 points were a new personal best. According to the NBA, no player has recorded at least 50 points and 10 assists without committing a turnover since the league began officially tracking turnovers in 1977–78. Cunningham also grabbed five rebounds, turning a wild road game into a landmark night for Detroit.
The Wizards refused to disappear. Trae Young hit a three-pointer at the end of regulation to force overtime, then rookie AJ Dybantsa made another late basket to send the game to a second extra period. Cunningham answered with a three early in the second overtime and a baseline jumper in the final half-minute. He shot 16-for-25 from the field and 17-for-18 at the line. Detroit forward Ausar Thompson delivered his first career triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
Young finished with 37 points and 14 assists, while Washington teammates Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr each scored 30. The Wizards still suffered a sixth consecutive defeat. Detroit improved to 8–3 and left with more than another victory: Cunningham demonstrated that he can handle a massive scoring and playmaking burden without giving the opponent extra possessions. The Pistons visit Miami on Saturday, while Washington hosts Houston on Sunday.