Cade Cunningham's fifth-place finish in the NBA's Most Valuable Player voting caps a season where he led the Detroit Pistons to the Eastern Conference's top seed before a tough playoff exit. The Pistons' season ended with a 94-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18, 2026, closing a series where their recent form was 1 win and 4 losses. Cunningham, the All-NBA point guard, averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, establishing himself as the franchise cornerstone.
Cunningham's regular season was outstanding. He kept Detroit in first place in the East practically all year. His playmaking was elite, and he was a lock for the 2026 All-Star team. A wrist injury earlier in the year briefly affected his three-point shot, but he found his rhythm when it mattered most.
He shot 40.2% from beyond the arc in the postseason. In the playoffs, both the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers dared the Pistons to shoot from outside. Often, only Cunningham and Duncan Robinson could make them pay from that range. His season, however, was interrupted by a collapsed lung right before the playoffs began. The team managed to hold onto the top seed despite his absence.
Expectations for the Pistons are now much higher. They won't surprise anyone this coming season. That makes Cunningham's path to the MVP award more difficult. To add to his resume, the soon-to-be sixth-year pro could sharpen his defensive skills. Becoming a more balanced two-way threat would make his case undeniable.
With Ausar Thompson guarding the perimeter, the Pistons start one of the league's best point-of-attack defenders every night. Thompson often covers primary ball-handlers. This allows Cunningham, given his size and strength, to switch and guard shooting guards or small forwards. He already has good timing and instincts, racking up a combined 2.2 steals and blocks per game last season.
The team finished in the top five for defensive rating last season. They have the pieces to be a physical, punishing unit again even without Isaiah Stewart. It will require a full team effort. That effort starts at the top with Cunningham and Thompson setting a suffocating tone.
Cunningham is normally praised for his offensive creativity. The defensive versatility he and Thompson provide is a major asset. They can switch assignments at any time, creating mismatches that often favor Detroit. With Stewart no longer patrolling the paint, the whole team needs to focus more on defensive rigidity. The upcoming 2026-27 campaign is the perfect time for Cunningham to prioritize this part of his game.
The Pistons' playoff journey was a battle with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their last five games tell the story of a hard-fought series. After a 107-97 win on May 7, the results shifted. The Cavaliers took the next three games: 116-109 on May 9, 112-103 on May 12, and 113-117 on May 14.
Detroit responded with a strong 115-94 road win on May 15. But the series concluded with that 94-125 defeat on May 18. The second-round appearance was still the deepest playoff run Cunningham has had with the Pistons. He clearly has aspirations that go beyond the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The offseason has been about building the right support around him to chase championships in Detroit. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page as they prepare for another run.
