How Cade Cunningham made NBA history with 52-point eruption in Pistons' double-OT win

If there was any question before about the best game Cade Cunningham has played in the NBA, there's no longer a debate to be had.

In a double-overtime Pistons win over the Wizards on Thursday night, Cunningham was simply dominant, torching Washington for 52 points, a new career-high.

But it wasn't just Cunningham's scoring total that made his performance so impressive. His playmaking was on display over 48 minutes of action as well, putting up final numbers that no NBA player ever has.

Here's how Cunningham's 52-point, 11-assist night against the Wizards made NBA history.

How Cade Cunningham made NBA history with 52-point eruption vs. Wizards

Before Thursday night, no NBA player had ever totaled at least 50 points and 10 assists in a game while not recording a single turnover. Cunningham changed that.

Cade Cunningham is the first player in NBA history with 50+ PTS 10+ AST and 0 turnovers in a game. https://t.co/lfDYtzyu1Q

His playmaking was flawless over 48 minutes, not losing the basketball once. It marked the fifth game of Cunningham's career in which he posted at least 10 assists without recording any turnovers.

Of course, Cunningham's scoring was arguably even more impressive. He shot 16-of-25 from the floor, a shooting percentage of 64%, while giving the Wizards some clutch buckets.

52 POINTS FOR CADE CUNNINGHAM. HE EXTENDS DETROIT'S LEAD TO 4 LATE IN 2OT! https://t.co/MNtmgqUBVn

Cunningham surpassed his previous career-high in scoring of 46 points, which also came against the Wizards in November 2025.

50 POINTS FOR CADE CUNNINGHAM 🚨 https://t.co/ZrbvOoG44V

The win improved Detroit to 8-3 this season despite Jalen Duren missing time; the Pistons sit at the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed thanks to Cunningham's excellence on Thursday night.