Cade Cunningham's recent performances are unreal as the Detroit squad tops the Eastern Conference with a 9-2 card. Coming from an OT win against the Washington Wizards, the Pistons' elite guard posted a 46-point triple-double, which etched his name in the record books while leading his team to another big win.

Cunningham's Incredible 46-Point Triple-Double

Cade Cunningham Scores 46-Point Triple-Double in Piston's OT Win Over Cade Cunningham Scores 46-Point Triple-Double in Piston's OT Win Over
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Coming into the game averaging 25.6 points and a career-best 9.8 assists per contest, Cunningham once again showed why he's the heart of Detroit's offense. The 24-year-old guard finished with a monster stat line: 46 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and two blocks.

Though his efficiency suffered, shooting just 14-of-45 from the field, Cunningham's relentless playmaking and leadership pushed the Pistons to their ninth win of the season. The performance marked one of the most dominant all-around games in franchise history.

Breaking Kobe Bryant's Longstanding Record

Cunningham's high-volume shooting placed him in elite company, though for a unique reason. The Pistons guard missed 31 shots, setting a record for most missed field goals in a single game since the stat has been tracked by the NBA in the 1983–84 season.

Bryant's mark came on November 7, 2002, when he went 17-for-47 from the floor and scored 41 points in an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. According to Sports Illustrated, Cunningham's 45 attempts tied Bryant for the seventh-most in a game during that same statistical era, an achievement that speaks to his determination and trust from the coaching staff.

Historic Volume Scoring in NBA Context

Taking 40 or more shots in one game is a rarity in today's league. Only a handful of players, including Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Russell Westbrook, have attempted that many in a game since 1983. Bryant still holds the all-time modern record with 50 field goal attempts in his 60-point farewell performance in 2016.

While Cunningham was inefficient, his aggressive mindset lifted Detroit to a close overtime victory. The Pistons avoided collapse and remained atop the Eastern Conference standings with a 9–2 record.

Pistons Stay Hot as Cunningham Leads the Way

Even on a night when his shot wasn't falling, the resilience of Cunningham proved to be the difference-maker. The 46 minutes he played showed endurance, but more importantly, maturity, something Detroit fans have been waiting to see from their young floor general.

The Pistons will face the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Nov. 12.