CLEVELAND – Detroit Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham said execution, connectivity, and depth powered a commanding Game 6 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, a win that evened the series and set up a winner-take-all Game 7.
The Pistons seized control with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Cleveland 30-11 and holding the Cavaliers to 29% shooting in the second half.
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Cunningham said Detroit’s defensive intensity and commitment to the game plan were at the heart of the victory.
“No, just our will,” Cunningham said. “Executing the game plan, obviously, but just our will, our aggression. Getting into the ball, not wanting to lose. It takes all five guys to guard. I thought we did a really good job.”
Depth carries Detroit
Multiple bench contributors stepped up in key moments, and Cunningham credited the second unit for sustaining the team’s energy and defensive pressure throughout the game.
“We needed every bit of it,” he said. “Sass was amazing. B-Ball obviously did it again. Vert’s been great all series. Dunk came back and made huge shots for us. It’s been a collective effort.”
Cunningham also praised the effectiveness of Detroit’s four-guard lineup, which he said has created spacing and defensive versatility as the series has progressed.
“We’ve got four playmakers out there,” Cunningham said. “We’ve started to get some synergy with it. It’s been solid defensively, being able to switch and guard everything. It’s about rebounding the ball.”
Staying together through adversity
The Pistons have leaned on resilience throughout the series, and Cunningham said their ability to stay connected under pressure has defined their postseason run.
“We stick together, we stay in the moment,” he said. “When things get ugly, we come together, we talk, we get back in the moment, and then we move forward from there.”
Cunningham feeling sharp heading into Game 7
Cunningham said he feels physically ready for a winner-take-all game despite logging heavy minutes and managing a recent injury recovery.
“I feel great,” Cunningham said. “I’m excited. I still got a lot of adrenaline in me.”
The All-Star guard, who has been efficient from three-point range during the postseason, said improved shooting has unlocked additional layers in his offensive game.
“Just letting it fly, trusting my work,” Cunningham said. “It opens up a lot. Having guys respect it, it adds more layers to my game.”
Eyes on Game 7
With the series now tied, Cunningham said Detroit’s biggest advantage remains its depth and collective effort heading into the deciding game.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that play hard, play to win,” he said. “That’s the beauty of this roster.”
Cunningham said he expects Game 7 inside Little Caesars Arena to be an electric atmosphere, one that the Pistons are ready to embrace.
“It’s going to be a lot of energy,” Cunningham said. “The crowd is going to come to play. It’s going to be a fun environment for us.”