Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff continued with the nightmare theme when he described Cunningham\u2019s performance in Wednesday night\u2019s triumph<\/a> \u2013 but in a good way.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s him,\u201d Bickerstaff said. \u201cAnd he understands that. To have the size, agility, touch, speed, patience that he has, he\u2019s a matchup nightmare for people.<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes multiple bodies to stop him. And then even that, because he can get to his spot and shoot his middy [mid-range shot], it\u2019s hard to get to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Using his size and skill to his advantage <\/p>\n Cunningham has a clear physical edge over every guard on Orlando\u2019s roster, whether in size, strength, or both. He controls the tempo – operating patiently before suddenly accelerating in bursts that leave defenders scrambling, regardless of their build or height. <\/p>\n On the other end, his length and active hands fit seamlessly into the Pistons defensive identity, something they\u2019ve prided themselves on during their runs in the playoffs. You just have to look at the 2004 championship-winning side for proof<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the crucial third quarter, Cunningham scored just five points but orchestrated the offense with seven assists, sparking his teammates. Six Pistons players put up at least five points in the period, while only one Magic player managed the same.<\/p>\n It shows that the Pistons don\u2019t need to rely on Cunningham for scoring as they did in a sheepish Game 1 outing. However, that area needs to be more consistent and not reserved for just a selected period. <\/p>\n But it was improved. Tobias Harris amassed 16 points, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson had 11 each, and Duncan Robertson and Isaiah Stewart each scored 10. <\/p>\n \u201cFor us, it uplifts us. Makes us go with him,\u201d Stewart\u00a0said. \u201cFor the other team, it\u2019s just a problem. They have to figure [it] out. They change their coverages and stuff, which helps free us up and allows us to make plays.\u201d<\/p>\n Still work to do though <\/p>\n It was hardly surprising that Cunningham was the leader on this night, but his efficiency still needs work to get the Pistons over the line.<\/p>\n His plus-minus rating was a 16, mainly due to his seven turnovers, going 1-for-6 from three-point land and going 50% from the foul line on eight attempts. <\/p>\n HIM. pic.twitter.com\/FpTjpwUNJy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n For a player who was a 34% three-pointer and an 81% free throw shooter for the season, he knows improvements must be made. But Cunningham was upbeat, especially as the Pistons bagged a first playoff win at home since 2008.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it feels great, one of many for this playoff run,\u201d Cunningham said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it was great to get that off our backs. You know, they brought a lot of engine to us all year. And, to give them a win finally at the crib, feels good. We\u2019ll need more energy. long run for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Both teams will now have two days to prepare for Game 3, which will be pivotal, as they traditionally are.<\/p>\n Detroit hasn’t advanced beyond the first playoff round in 18 years, and Orlando hasn\u2019t reached the second round in 16 years.<\/p>\n Whoever the victor will be in Game 3 could already have a foot in the next round.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
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