Cade Cunningham’s Fourth Quarter: A Deeper Look
Cade Cunningham’s performance in the recent game against the Indiana Pacers has sparked a lot of discussion among Detroit Pistons fans. Cunningham finished with an impressive 28 points and eight assists, showcasing his skills, particularly in a standout third quarter. However, the focus has shifted to his performance in the fourth quarter, where he seemed to falter. Let’s break down what happened and why there’s no need for panic just yet.
Cade’s Fourth Quarter Performance
Cunningham went one of five from the field in the fourth quarter, excluding a last-second heave. While this might seem concerning at first glance, it’s essential to understand the context. Two of his missed shots were ones he typically makes—an open three-pointer and a mid-range jumper. These are shots that, under normal circumstances, Cunningham would likely convert. The process behind these attempts was sound, and sometimes, even the best players missed the shots they usually make.
The other two attempts were more challenging, with one being a contested shot by Myles Turner and another a forced drive with the shot clock winding down. These situations highlight the need for better offensive execution as a team, rather than placing the blame solely on Cunningham.
Why There’s No Need to Worry
The Pistons’ offensive strategy in the fourth quarter leaned heavily on pick-and-roll plays, which the Pacers defended aggressively. While this approach is common in the NBA, especially in crunch time, it became predictable. To maximize Cunningham’s effectiveness, the Pistons should diversify their offensive sets, incorporating mid-post isolations and other creative plays to keep defenses guessing.
Despite the fourth-quarter struggles, the overall offensive process was solid. The Pistons generated good looks, and the shots didn’t fall. This isn’t a repeat of last year’s issues, where poor shot selection and execution were prevalent. Instead, it’s a case of good process not yielding the desired results, which is a much more promising sign for the future.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Cade Cunningham’s performance and the Pistons’ strategy, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- Analysis of the Pistons’ defensive breakdowns against the Pacers
- Preview of the upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Discussion on the Pistons’ offensive adjustments and strategies
- Insights into the Pistons’ roster changes and their impact on team dynamics
