Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart return, leading Detroit to a decisive victory
Category: Sports
In a commanding performance, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 137-111 on April 8, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena, marking a successful end to their home schedule. The victory improved the Pistons' record to 58-22, solidifying their position as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
This game was particularly notable for the return of star players Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, who had both been sidelined due to injuries. Cunningham, who missed 11 games due to a collapsed left lung suffered against the Washington Wizards on March 17, made his presence felt immediately. In nearly 26 minutes of play, he contributed 13 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block.
Stewart, returning from a 13-game absence due to a left calf strain, played just over 10 minutes, scoring eight points and grabbing one rebound. His energy was evident, even as he did not participate in the second half. The Pistons showcased their depth, with seven players reaching double figures in scoring, led by Jalen Duren with 21 points and Duncan Robinson with 20.
The Bucks, meanwhile, were significantly undermanned, missing key players including Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee hyperextension), Kyle Kuzma (right Achilles tendinopathy), Bobby Portis (left wrist sprain), Myles Turner (left hip sprain), and Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee synovitis). This left them struggling to keep pace with the Pistons, who executed a decisive 22-8 run to close the first half, leading 75-57 at the break.
Throughout the game, the Pistons displayed impressive shooting, finishing the night with 59.6% from the field and an effective 53.8% from three-point range in the first half. Robinson was particularly hot, scoring 11 consecutive points during the first-half run, including two three-pointers and a fastbreak dunk.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially as they head into the playoffs. "The guys have been working hard, and it’s great to see them come together like this, especially with Cade and Isaiah back in the lineup," he noted.
In the third quarter, the Pistons maintained their momentum, closing the period with a 10-0 run that extended their lead to 112-86. This allowed them to comfortably manage the game in the final quarter, where they outscored the Bucks 25-29.
The Pistons' recent performance from three-point range has been a positive trend, as they shot 38.6% from beyond the arc over the last 20 games leading up to this matchup. This improvement is a welcome sign for a team that has struggled with outside shooting for much of the season. Players like Robinson, who has been shooting at a remarkable 47.2% from three during this stretch, are key to their playoff aspirations.
The Bucks, on the other hand, faced challenges in their shooting, particularly from three-point range, where they managed only 34% on the night. Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 23 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Pistons' onslaught. The Bucks now sit at 31-49, struggling to find a rhythm as the regular season winds down.
Looking ahead, the Pistons have clinched home-court advantage for the playoffs, which begin on April 18. Cunningham, who is averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game this season, will be looking to make a strong impact in the postseason, even as he faces the possibility of falling short of the 65-game minimum for postseason awards eligibility. There is, nevertheless, a provision in the collective bargaining agreement that allows for a review of his situation under extraordinary circumstances.
As the Pistons prepare for the playoffs, the return of key players like Cunningham and Stewart bodes well for their chances. The team’s performance against the Bucks showcases their depth and their readiness to compete at a high level when it matters most.
In the end, this victory secured their top seed and was a statement about their resilience and determination as they head into the postseason. The Pistons will look to carry this momentum forward, aiming to make a deep playoff run.