Why Pistons’ Cade Cunningham remains optimistic after Game 3 loss to Cavs

Cade Cunningham remains confident about the Detroit Pistons’ chances of continuing their playoff run despite losing Game 3 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Cunningham and the Pistons are enjoying an incredible 2025-26 campaign, winning 60 games to secure the top seed in the East. Despite trailing 3-1 to the Orlando Magic in the first round, they won the last three games to earn their first series win since 2008.

Detroit kept the momentum going against Cleveland, taking a 2-0 series lead after taking Games 1 and 2. They had a chance to go up 3-0, but Donovan Mitchell and James Harden stopped them from stunning the Cavaliers on the road. Cunningham reflected on the loss after the game, per reporter Omari Sankofa II.

“There’s definitely optimism, to answer your question. We feel great about where we’re at, we feel great about the way we’re playing basketball,” Cunningham said.

Cade: “There’s definitely optimism, to answer your question. We feel great about where we’re at, we feel great about the way we’re playing basketball.” pic.twitter.com/n7PDWA5aS3

— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 9, 2026

How Cade Cunningham, Pistons played against Cavaliers

Cade Cunningham and the Pistons were close to winning Game 3. However, they will need to clean up their turnovers and other mistakes that cost them against the Cavaliers.

Detroit started slow as the team went down 64-48 at halftime. They fought back with a 33-19 display in the third quarter, but Cleveland made more big plays down the stretch to obtain the home victory.

Shot accuracy made the difference in this matchup. The Cavaliers prevailed in this category by making 58% of their total shots, while the Pistons converted 45% of all their shot attempts.

Five players scored in double-digits for Detroit in the loss, including Cunningham. He led the team with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal. He shot 10-of-27 from the field, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Tobias Harris came next with 21 points and five rebounds, Duncan Robinson had 15 points and five steals, while Jalen Duren and Paul Reed provided 11 points each.

The Pistons will look to take a 3-1 series lead when they take on the Cavaliers in Game 4. The contest takes place on May 11 at 8 p.m. ET.

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