Cade Cunningham’s 45 Shots Echo Kobe Bryant’s Legendary 81-Point Performance
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons recently made headlines with a striking performance reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point game. On November 10, 2025, during a match against the Washington Wizards, Cunningham took an astounding 45 shots, the highest for any player in the NBA this season.
Cade Cunningham’s Performance Overview
In this thrilling game, the Pistons triumphed 137-135 in overtime. Cunningham scored a total of 46 points, but faced notable shooting challenges. He converted only 30 points from field goals, with rest coming from free throws.
Key Statistics
- Total Points: 46
- Field Goal Attempts: 45
- Field Goals Made: 16
- Field Goal Percentage: 31.1%
- Three-Point Attempts: 11
- Three-Point Field Goals Made: 2
- Free Throws: 18 (made out of 20)
- Missed Shots: 31
Cunningham’s 31 missed shots stand out as a significant statistic. This total marks the highest since the NBA’s 1976-77 merger. The last player to miss that many shots in a single game was Rick Barry in 1967. Additionally, out of the 1,534 recorded instances of a player scoring 45 points, Cunningham’s field goal percentage ranks second lowest at 31.1%.
Historic Comparisons
Cunningham’s shot volume draws immediate comparisons to Kobe Bryant’s iconic performance against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. In that game, Bryant scored 81 points on just 46 shots, achieving a remarkable efficiency with a field goal percentage of 60.9%. This contrast highlights Cunningham’s inefficiency despite his high volume of attempts.
Franchise Milestones
Despite the missed shots, Cunningham achieved a notable milestone by becoming the second player in Pistons history to secure a triple-double with 40 points, joining Isiah Thomas in this exclusive club. Such achievements illustrate his potential and significance to the team’s future.
As the NBA season progresses, Cunningham’s performance will undoubtedly be a talking point. His ability to emulate the greats like Kobe Bryant, albeit in a different context, adds intrigue to his development as a player.
