Cade Cunningham powered the Pistons to a win over the Celtics and had his best shooting game of the season. In a dramatic shift, Cade shot 6-of-10 from three-point range while racking up 32 total points. Along with another great showing from the Pistons’ bench, Cade’s outside shooting was the difference maker in another tight game.

Three-point shooting makes Cade unguardable

Despite his struggles shooting the ball, Cade has still played at an All-NBA level this season. He’s averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists per game while adding strong defensive play. But it could get even better.

Cade has shot just 31% from three so far this season. If he can bounce back to the 35% that he shot from downtown the last two seasons, it’ll be a revelation for the Pistons. He can make up for the Pistons’ lack of shooting elsewhere on the roster and make himself harder to guard.

Cunningham has been dominant inside the arc despite losing his second-leading scorer and best floor spacer from last season. He’s been especially reliable in the clutch. He added to his clutch resumé with another 9 points in the fourth quarter against Boston.

With his tight handle and tough shot making, Cade can get any shot he wants when needed. But adding a consistent three-point shot will take him to another level. It adds another layer for defenders to worry about. And it gives Cade a chance at easier points off spot-up opportunities, as well as making life easier for his teammates. 

Despite all their considerable success this season, the Pistons have still struggled to shoot the ball. They are third-to-last in the NBA when it comes to hitting threes. Cade has a chance to turn that around by hitting more threes of his own. That’ll also open up lanes for teammates which can lead to rim finishes or open threes for shooters.

Cade can elevate his scoring average to around 30 points per game by improving his long-range accuracy. Pistons fans have been waiting a long time for his outside shot to re-emerge. This latest dominant performance can be the catalyst for a necessary bounceback.

The Pistons will need Cade’s three-point shooting when the playoffs roll around. Last postseason, their offense bogged down against the Knicks as he shot just 18% from three. When playoff defenses tighten up, superstars need to hit tough threes sometimes. Cade has the ability to hit these shots but needs to get into his rhythm as the season progresses.

Between the Pistons’ dominant defense and Cade’s consistent excellence, the league is already on notice. The “Smooth Operator” has given defenses fits all season long. But better three-point shooting will make him an absolute nightmare.