Cover Photo Credit: NBA.com

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham made his first NBA All Star Game appearance Sunday at the Chase Center, in San Francisco, California, home of the Golden State Warriors. While Warriors guard Stephen Curry stole the show, winning Most Valuable Player, Cunningham captured the attention of the nation in the semi-final round with an emphatic breakaway dunk just ahead of 7’3” Victor Wembanyama who was in hot pursuit. 

This season, the NBA switched up its All Star game format. Four teams were made from All Star starters and reserves, as well as the winners of the rising stars game. All four teams played a semi-final game. The two winners went on to the championship game. 

Cunningham was on a team with the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, Cavaliers’ Darius Garland, Heat’s Tyler Herro, Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr., Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley and Thunders’ Jalen Williams. His team lost in the semi-final round of the tournament 41-32. 

For the game, Cunningham had five points, one rebound and one assist in five minutes and 21 seconds of game action. While the numbers are modest on the surface, his effect on the game was action-packed. Cunningham had a catch-and-shoot three-pointer. His lone assist was for an alley-oop dunk. And then there was the dunk. Not bad for a little over five minutes. 

This year has been a resounding success for Cunningham so far. He is putting up career stats (25.4 points, 9.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds). The Pistons are in playoff position (6th in Eastern Conference) with a record of 29-26. Things are looking up. 

Of his time playing in Detroit thus far, Cunningham had this to say during All Star Game festivities. 

“It feels great to play for the Pistons. Obviously, we have a super passionate fan base. That definitely plays into the commitment to the organization and city, the amount of love they give back to you. All of it plays a huge role in why I’m so passionate about the Pistons, the city and the organization. It’s fun and I’m glad I get to represent them.” 

Let’s hope the Pistons’ coaches and front office feel the same way and they invest in and around their All Star for the future.