Cunningham on target as depleted Pistons down Raptors
TORONTO — The Detroit Pistons arrived at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night facing a significant test of their depth and composure. With their starting frontcourt decimated by league suspensions, the Eastern Conference leaders looked vulnerable against a talented Toronto squad. Instead, Cade Cunningham and a makeshift rotation delivered a resounding statement, routing the Toronto Raptors 113-95 to head into the All-Star break with their momentum firmly intact.
Missing centers Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren—both serving suspensions following Monday’s altercation in Charlotte—Detroit needed a spark to compensate for the lack of size. They found it in Cunningham. The franchise guard orchestrated the offense with surgical precision, finishing with 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Cunningham was particularly lethal from beyond the arc, draining six of his 11 attempts from deep and punishing Toronto whenever they collapsed the paint to help on drives.
While Cunningham provided the star power, Paul Reed provided the necessary grit. Thrust into the starting lineup, Reed exploded for 16 of his 22 points in the first quarter alone, setting a physical tone that Toronto failed to match. Reed also contributed four blocks, anchoring a defense that stifled the Raptors despite the absence of Detroit’s primary rim protectors. Veteran forward Tobias Harris chipped in with a steady double-double, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds to help the Pistons win the battle of the boards 46-35.
For Toronto, the night was a disappointment defined by an inability to exploit Detroit’s undersized interior. Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 18 points, while Scottie Barnes added 17. Even the return of center Jakob Poeltl and the presence of Brandon Ingram (13 points) couldn't spark a rhythm for the hosts, who trailed by as many as 23 points in the second half.
The victory improved Detroit’s record to an impressive 40-13, cementing their status as the team to beat in the East. By weathering the storm of suspensions and securing a blowout road win, the Pistons demonstrated that their resurgence is built on more than just star talent—it is built on a resilient culture capable of handling adversity.
Missing centers Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren—both serving suspensions following Monday’s altercation in Charlotte—Detroit needed a spark to compensate for the lack of size. They found it in Cunningham. The franchise guard orchestrated the offense with surgical precision, finishing with 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Cunningham was particularly lethal from beyond the arc, draining six of his 11 attempts from deep and punishing Toronto whenever they collapsed the paint to help on drives.
While Cunningham provided the star power, Paul Reed provided the necessary grit. Thrust into the starting lineup, Reed exploded for 16 of his 22 points in the first quarter alone, setting a physical tone that Toronto failed to match. Reed also contributed four blocks, anchoring a defense that stifled the Raptors despite the absence of Detroit’s primary rim protectors. Veteran forward Tobias Harris chipped in with a steady double-double, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds to help the Pistons win the battle of the boards 46-35.
For Toronto, the night was a disappointment defined by an inability to exploit Detroit’s undersized interior. Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 18 points, while Scottie Barnes added 17. Even the return of center Jakob Poeltl and the presence of Brandon Ingram (13 points) couldn't spark a rhythm for the hosts, who trailed by as many as 23 points in the second half.
The victory improved Detroit’s record to an impressive 40-13, cementing their status as the team to beat in the East. By weathering the storm of suspensions and securing a blowout road win, the Pistons demonstrated that their resurgence is built on more than just star talent—it is built on a resilient culture capable of handling adversity.
