Cade Cunningham delivered a season-best 40 points to lead the Detroit Pistons (17-18) past Anthony Edwards’ career-high 53 points, as they secured a 119-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-17) on Saturday night. His leadership helped Detroit secure its third straight victory and sixth in the last seven games.
Edwards’ 53-point performance marked a new career-high. Despite an impressive showing, Edwards went scoreless for a critical nine-minute stretch late in the game, after tying his career-best with a three-pointer at the 9:25 mark in the fourth quarter.
Malik Beasley added 23 points for Detroit, hitting six three-pointers off the bench, while Tobias Harris recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds. Ausar Thompson showcased his versatility with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double and a career-high six steals, energizing the Pistons’ defense.
Julius Randle was the only other Timberwolves player to reach double figures, scoring 17 points. The rest of Minnesota’s starting lineup combined for just 14 points, as the team struggled offensively outside of Edwards.
Minnesota, a Western Conference finalist last season, has now dropped three straight games after briefly building momentum with a three-game win streak late last month. They sit at .500, searching for consistency as the season progresses.
The Pistons overcame the absence of starting guard Jaden Ivey, sidelined with a fractured fibula. Thompson has stepped up in Ivey’s place, providing a defensive boost that has translated into effective transition play for Detroit.
Cunningham’s efficient shooting night, highlighted by 15-of-29 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, underscored his growing role as a leader for the Pistons.
Edwards, meanwhile, shot 16-of-31 overall and converted 10-of-15 three-point attempts, though his scoring alone wasn’t enough to prevent Minnesota’s slide.
Detroit also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Timberwolves 47-33, with 13 offensive boards leading to numerous second-chance opportunities. Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart were key contributors in the paint, combining for 17 rebounds.
