Cade Cunningham rescues Pistons from a crushing upset: 'Man, he’s built for it'

DETROIT — The “MVP” chants for Cade Cunningham on Wednesday felt more pronounced than ever. As all of Little Caesars Arena serenaded Cunningham as his 45-point night etched his name into Detroit Pistons playoff history, there was more at play.Not only did Cunningham lead the Pistons in staving off elimination, he validated the city’s belief in him. The belief that the 2021 No. 1 pick could return the Pistons to relevancy after a franchise-worst 14-win season. The belief that Detroit truly wasn’t 2-26 bad. The belief that the Pistons’ 60-win season wasn’t all for a first-round exit in five games.Advertisement