Cade Cunningham delivered a spectacular performance at Madison Square Garden, scoring 42 points and handing out 13 assists in the Detroit Pistons’ 126-111 victory over the New York Knicks. This victory marked the Pistons’ third consecutive win over the Knicks this season and showcased why they stand at the top with a remarkable 41-13 record.
Cunningham’s performance was historic, as he became just the third player ever to score 40 or more points and record 10 or more assists in a game at The Garden, joining the ranks of LeBron James and Allen Iverson. After starting his career with four losses at Madison Square Garden, he has since turned it around, winning three straight games there while averaging 35.6 points and 10.6 assists in those outings.
On the other hand, the Houston Rockets, led by Kevin Durant’s impressive 35-point effort, managed to edge out the Charlotte Hornets 105-101, dealing the Hornets only their second loss since January 22. Durant’s clutch performance in the final moments underscored his status as a vital player for the Rockets as they climbed into third place in the Western Conference standings.
Meanwhile, the LA Clippers exhibited their playoff potential, narrowly defeating the Denver Nuggets 115-114. Bennedict Mathurin matched his career-high with 38 points in his home debut and solidified the Clippers as serious contenders in the postseason race. Kawhi Leonard continued his consistent scoring trend with 23 points, marking his 34th consecutive game with 20 or more points.
In other league action, the San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to seven games, while the Cleveland Cavaliers secured their sixth straight win with a solid performance against the Brooklyn Nets. The Boston Celtics also kept their momentum going, winning their eighth game in their last nine by beating the Golden State Warriors.
As the NBA season progresses, teams are gearing up for the playoff stretch, showcasing their talents and making bold statements as they vie for championship glory. The thrilling performances on the court paired with record-high viewership for the All-Star Weekend indicates that the excitement surrounding the league is palpable.
With many teams finding their rhythm, fans are in for a captivating second half of the season, poised to witness history being made as the playoffs approach.