Cade Cunningham’s 45 FG Attempts Spark NBA Curiosity

Cade Cunningham showcased an impressive performance for the Detroit Pistons in their recent overtime victory against the Washington Wizards, winning 137-135. This game marked the Pistons’ seventh consecutive win. Despite his remarkable triple-double of 46 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, the attention was drawn to his striking 45 field-goal attempts, raising questions about its historical context in the NBA.

Cade Cunningham’s Record-Setting Night

Cunningham’s 46 points was the highlight of the game, which also included five steals, two blocks, and two three-pointers. His shooting accuracy, however, was less than stellar, with a conversion rate of only 31.1%, hitting 14 of 45 attempts. He compensated for this by converting 16 out of 18 free throws, achieving an 88.9% success rate.

Field Goal Attempts in Context

The 24-year-old Cunningham’s 45 shot attempts were the highest this season, surpassing the previous season high of 32 attempts set by three players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey, and Lauri Markkanen. Furthermore, he narrowly missed the all-time record of 50 field-goal attempts, established by Kobe Bryant during his final game on April 13, 2016, when he scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz.

NBA Record Insights

Since the 1983-84 season, only four other players have managed to take 45 shots in a single game: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Jalen Brunson, and Chris Webber. However, Cunningham now holds the NBA record for the most missed field goals in a winning effort with 31, surpassing Bryant’s 30 missed attempts against the Boston Celtics in 2002.

Clutch Moments and Team Performance

A key play that led to the overtime was a game-tying three-pointer made by Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins. His clutch shot with just seconds left in regulation allowed the game to extend into an extra period. In the overtime, Duncan Robinson secured the lead for Detroit with a pivotal three-pointer, contributing to their overall victory.

Current Standings and Next Matchup

With this latest win, the Pistons improved to 9-2, solidifying their position at the top of the Eastern Conference, now two games ahead of the second-placed New York Knicks. Cunningham and his team aim to extend their impressive winning streak to eight games in their upcoming match against the Chicago Bulls.