Cade Cunningham Makes History with 52 Points as Detroit Edge Washington in Double Overtime Thriller

Key Takeaways:

• Cade Cunningham delivered a career-best 52 points and tallied 11 assists as the Detroit Pistons triumphed 144-140 over the Washington Wizards in double overtime
• The Wizards extended the match twice with clutch shots from Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa, before Cunningham’s late-game excellence sealed the result
• Ausar Thompson registered his first career triple-double, while Washington’s trio of Young, Davis, and Sarr all scored 30-plus points for the first time since 1969

Double Overtime Drama in Washington

The Detroit Pistons emerged victorious in a high-scoring encounter, prevailing 144-140 against the Washington Wizards after two overtime periods on Thursday night in Washington. Cade Cunningham powered Detroit’s offence, amassing a personal record 52 points alongside 11 assists. Detroit survived as the Wizards persisted, with Trae Young’s buzzer-beating three-pointer forcing the initial overtime and rookie AJ Dybantsa’s mid-range jumper sending the game to a second overtime with less than a second remaining.

Cunningham was quick to strike in double overtime, draining a three-pointer that shifted the momentum. Detroit gained further advantage when Anthony Davis fouled out, helping the visitors maintain their composure in the closing minutes. Even as the score remained tight – at 140-138 in Detroit’s favour during the final minute – Cunningham connected from the baseline with 25.3 seconds left, essentially securing the outcome for the Pistons. This defeat extends the Wizards’ losing streak to six games.

made history tonight https://t.co/MEkEg5A0IL

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) November 13, 2026

Historic Individual Performances and Career Milestones

Ausar Thompson contributed significantly for Detroit, notching 17 points, pulling down 11 rebounds, and handing out 11 assists for the first triple-double of his NBA career. As for the Wizards, Trae Young amassed 37 points, though he converted only 8 of his 23 shots. Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr each contributed 30 points, marking the first time since 18 November 1969 that the franchise saw three players reach the 30-point mark in a single game – a feat last achieved by Mike Davis, Earl Monroe, and Gus Johnson for the Baltimore Bullets.

Young further distinguished himself with 14 assists – two more than the total managed by the entire Washington team during their previous defeat at Indiana.

Cunningham also set a notable NBA record, becoming the first player since official turnover records began in 1977-78 to amass at least 50 points, 10 assists, and no turnovers in a game, according to OptaSTATS.

Shooting Efficiency and Game Statistics

Cunningham was clinical, converting 16 of 25 field goal attempts and sinking 17 out of 18 free throws. Daniss Jenkins offered strong support with 21 points for the Pistons before fouling out. Kyshawn George also fouled out for Washington after contributing 14 points.

Alex Sarr displayed remarkable shooting consistency as well, going a perfect 10-for-10 in regulation and closing with 12 makes from 14 attempts.

Next Up

The Pistons will travel to Miami for a Saturday night clash, while the Wizards stay home to host Houston on Sunday night.