Cade Cunningham scores 52, leads Pistons to double OT win over Wizards

Cade Cunningham poured in 52 points as the Detroit Pistons edged the Washington Wizards 144‑140 in a double‑overtime thriller on Thursday night in Washington. The win snapped the Pistons’ recent road slump and gave them a hard‑won road victory against a team that had already lost six straight games.

Cunningham’s night was historic. He became the first player in NBA history to score at least 50 points while dishing out 10 assists without committing a turnover. Detroit started slowly, but built a double‑digit lead early in the second half before Washington clawed back. The game featured 20 lead changes and two last‑second heroics that forced extra periods. The Wizards’ three starters — Trae Young, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr — each scored over 30 points, yet their effort fell short of ending the losing streak.

Ausar Thompson added a triple‑double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, underscoring Detroit’s balanced attack. With the score 119‑118 and less than two seconds left, Cunningham was fouled and calmly sank both free throws. Young answered with a buzzer‑beater to send the game to overtime. In the first extra period, Cunningham hit a three‑pointer with 30 seconds left to tie the game, and a replay later ruled teammate Duncan Robinson’s toe on the line, leaving Detroit with a two‑point edge. Washington’s top draft pick AJ Dybantsa forced a second overtime with a pull‑up jumper, but Cunningham answered with a fadeaway that put the Pistons up by four. Young missed two late threes, and Washington could only muster two free throws before the clock ran out.

The victory puts Detroit in a stronger position as they chase a playoff spot, while Washington must halt a six‑game skid. Cunningham’s flawless performance has already sparked MVP chatter and gives the Pistons momentum heading into the next stretch of games. The Wizards will look to regroup quickly, hoping to translate the scoring outburst of their three starters into a win before the season’s final weeks.