Pistons' Cunningham scores 42 in win over Knicks

Detroit to face Chicago in fourth matchup of the season

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham scored 42 points in the team's 126-111 victory over the New York Knicks. The Pistons will now face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, which will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season.

Why it matters

Cunningham's 42-point performance was a standout game for the young Pistons star, showcasing his scoring ability. The upcoming matchup against the Bulls is an important divisional game as both teams vie for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Cunningham, the Pistons' 2021 first-overall draft pick, had an efficient shooting night, going 15-of-24 from the field, including 5-of-9 from 3-point range. The win over the Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak for Detroit.

  • The Pistons defeated the Knicks on February 20, 2026.
  • The Pistons will face the Bulls on February 22, 2026.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' 2021 first-overall draft pick, who scored 42 points in the win over the Knicks.

Detroit Pistons

The NBA team that defeated the Knicks and will now face the Bulls.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA team that will face the Pistons in their fourth matchup of the season.

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What they’re saying

“Cade really took over the game for us tonight. When he's hitting shots like that, it makes everything else easier for the team.”

— Dwane Casey, Pistons Head Coach (wn.com)

What’s next

The Pistons and Bulls will face off on February 22, 2026, in a key divisional matchup as both teams look to improve their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's 42-point outburst showcases his star potential and the Pistons' ability to win games when he is playing at a high level. The upcoming matchup against the Bulls will be an important test for both teams as they jockey for position in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.