Cunningham Scores 33 as Pistons Beat Hornets
Detroit rolled past Charlotte 124-91 on Monday behind a 19-0 third-quarter run led by Cade Cunningham.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball
Cade Cunningham scored 33 points with seven assists and five steals in 27 minutes as Detroit beat Charlotte 124-91. Duncan Robinson added 24 points with six 3-pointers, and the Pistons forced 27 turnovers.
Why it matters
The win moves Detroit to 6-1 as it prepares to host Philadelphia, a 7-1 team that its only loss this season came against Detroit. Jalen Duren's hamstring strain leaves the Pistons' frontcourt thinner heading into the rematch.
Cunningham shot the Pistons through a 19-0 third-quarter run, with the 27 forced turnovers the defensive engine behind it. Detroit enters Wednesday at 6-1 against a 7-1 Philadelphia side, and Duren's absence has not yet been quantified in terms of minutes or replacement rotation.
The players
Cade Cunningham
Detroit Pistons guard and the team's primary offensive creator, who has emerged as one of the league's most productive young point guards.
Duncan Robinson
Detroit Pistons guard known for his sharp perimeter shooting, who has built a reputation as one of the NBA's most efficient spot-up threats.
Kyrie Irving
Dallas Mavericks guard and perennial All-Star whose name has surfaced in trade speculation as the deadline approaches.
The details
Cunningham took over in the third quarter when Charlotte had closed to within four points, scoring 11 points during Detroit's 19-0 run that included a steal and transition dunk. Robinson hit six 3-pointers in the win, while the Pistons' defense generated 27 Charlotte turnovers.
Timeline
Monday: Detroit defeats Charlotte 124-91.
Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET: Detroit hosts Philadelphia at Little Caesars Arena, broadcast on ESPN.
Season Trajectory
Detroit's 6-1 start has made it a plausible destination in the Kyrie Irving trade discussion, as Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix named the Pistons a team to watch before the deadline. Dallas would still have to decide whether to move Irving, so the speculation remains unresolved.
Fantasy managers should note Cunningham's 33-point, seven-assist, five-steal output and Robinson's six 3-pointers when setting lineups for Wednesday's rematch. Duren's hamstring strain removes a rebounding and interior presence from Detroit's rotation, which could shift minutes toward other big men.
The takeaway
Detroit's balance on both ends, with 27 forced turnovers and a 19-0 run, is the template to watch as the Pistons test themselves against a 7-1 Philadelphia team. Holding a lead through a long stretch of play is the kind of consistency that separates early-season surprises from playoff-caliber teams.
What happens next
Detroit hosts Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena, with the game broadcast on ESPN.
Further reading
Track the Pistons' next moves on the Detroit Basketball section page.
