Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is making a strong case as one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference. In the Pistons’ 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks , Cunningham delivered a dominant performance, posting 38 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds to help Detroit secure its sixth straight win. This is the Pistons’ first six-game win streak since 2015-16, hinting at a potential franchise turnaround.
Cunningham was electric in the first half, racking up 29 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds while draining six three-pointers. With that performance, he became only the third player in NBA history —joining Luka Dončić and Bradley Beal —to achieve those numbers in a half. This season, Cunningham is averaging 25.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists on efficient 46/36/85% shooting.
Cunningham’s stellar play has sparked debate as the Pistons continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings. With established stars like Damian Lillard , Jalen Brunson , and Tyrese Haliburton in the mix, does Cunningham’s production put him in the conversation as the East’s best point guard, or does he still have more to prove?
Is Cade Cunningham Now the Best Point Guard In The East?
Cade Cunningham: Rising Eastern Conference Point Guard
There has been no debate over the past five games about Cunningham’s place among the Eastern Conference’s elite point guards. He has been on an absolute tear, averaging 26.2 points, 10.0 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an elite 55/44/90%. During this stretch, his on-court dominance is reflected in his impressive plus/minus of +19.6.
His season-long production has been just as noteworthy. Cunningham ranks near the top among Eastern Conference point guards in several key categories—third in scoring, second in assists, and second in rebounding. Even on the defensive end, he continues to make his presence felt. Despite averaging just 0.8 blocks per game, he still leads all Eastern Conference point guards in that category. His defensive win shares are also near the best among Eastern Conference guards, showcasing his strong defensive impact.
Areas for Improvement On His Path to Stardom
Despite his stellar play, there are still areas where Cunningham can refine his game to reach an even higher level. One of the biggest concerns is turnovers—he currently ranks second behind Trae Young in total turnovers and holds the third-highest turnover percentage (16.1%) among Eastern Conference point guards. However, much of this can be attributed to his high usage rate of 31.8%, the second highest among Eastern Conference guards. Cunningham must improve his decision-making to minimize mistakes and continue his growth.
Another area for improvement is his consistency in late-game situations. While he has shown flashes of clutch play, there are moments when he forces difficult shots or rushes passes under pressure. Developing better poise in crunch time will be essential as he takes on a leadership role for the Pistons. Additionally, while Cunningham has improved as a three-point shooter, his shot selection can still be refined. He sometimes settles for contested jumpers instead of attacking the basket. Given his size and skill set, driving to the rim more frequently could increase his scoring efficiency and lead to more free-throw opportunities.
The Last Word
Cade Cunningham’s rise to the point guard elite has been incredible. He takes over games, facilitates well, and impacts both ends of the floor. Leading the Pistons’ longest win streak in years, Cunningham has elevated his play and changed the team’s trajectory. His dominance over the last five games strengthens his case as one of the East’s best point guards.
Scoring efficiently, playmaking, and defending at a high level put him in elite company among top guards. However, he must reduce turnovers and improve shot selection to advance further. If he refines these areas while maintaining production, there will be no debate about his place at the top.
Photo credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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