Cade Cunningham Lifts Pistons Past Grizzlies in Thriller
What a difference a year makes. Last night in Memphis, the Detroit Pistons didn’t just win a basketball game; they sent a message. In a gritty, back-and-forth affair, they stared down a Grizzlies rally and walked out with a 114-106 victory, proving this 5-2 start is anything but a fluke.
Last season, the Pistons lost both away games against Memphis, one by 20 points and the other by 6. Fast forward to this year—new season, new confidence, and a leader who’s emerging as the superstar this franchise has been waiting on for far too long.
And how did they do it? By leaning on their cornerstones. When the lights were brightest and the game hung in the balance, Cade Cunningham put the team on his back. But he wasn’t alone. In the absence of the injured Tobias Harris, Isaiah “Beef Stew” Stewart didn’t just step up; he kicked the door down.
Let’s break down a win that should have every Pistons fan buzzing.
King Cade Owns the Fourth
We’ve been waiting for these moments. The moments where the former No. 1 overall pick silences a hostile road crowd and single-handedly decides the outcome. That moment arrived in the fourth quarter last night.
After Memphis clawed their way back into the game, the energy in the FedExForum was electric. The Pistons could have folded. I’ve seen them do it a lot over the past few seasons. But not this team. Not with the man they call “Deuce”. Cade Cunningham proceeded to score 19 of his game-high 33 points in the final 12 minutes. It was a masterclass in late-game execution—a mix of tough drives, clutch jumpers, and poised decision-making that left the Grizzlies scrambling for answers.
This wasn’t just about scoring, either. It was *how* he scored. He took control, slowed the game down when needed, and hunted for his spots with the confidence of a seasoned All-Star. The offense ran through him, and he delivered in the biggest moments. We saw flashes of this last season, but this performance felt like a new level of command, a true alpha taking over when his team needed him most.
And I’ll keep pointing this out—he had only three turnovers in his 39 minutes on the floor. That’s almost one fewer than his career average, and it matters in close games.
But let’s be clear: this victory wasn’t a one-man show. While Cade was the closer, Isaiah “Beef Stew” Stewart was the foundation.
Beef Stew Serves a Career Night
With the news that Tobias Harris would be sidelined, the question was who would fill the void in the starting lineup. Isaiah Stewart answered that question with a resounding roar.
Beef Stew was an absolute force, turning in the best performance of his young career. He dropped a career-high 26 points, but his impact was felt everywhere. He dominated the glass, snatching 14 rebounds, and was a defensive menace in the paint, swatting away four shots. He played with the relentless energy and physicality that we’ve come to love, but last night, he paired it with a polished offensive game.
He was aggressive from the jump, attacking the rim and showing a soft touch on his jumpers. It was a complete, two-way performance that demonstrated his growth and versatility. He didn’t just fill in; he starred in his role, providing the perfect complementary punch to Cunningham’s fourth-quarter heroics.
In his postgame interview with Natalie Kerwin on FanDuel Sports Network, Isaiah Stewart reflected on his performance and trademark energy.
“Hey, I’m ready for whatever,” Stewart said. “Anybody that knows me knows whenever my name or number is called, I’m always prepared. I bring it every single night. I take my job seriously — no let up. Everybody knows what you’re getting out of Stew every night. I don’t care about the stats. It’s all about energy.”
That’s the kind of blue-collar mentality that defines this city and this team.
This 5-2 Start Feels Different
Let’s be real, Pistons fans. We’ve been through some lean years. But this start to the season just feels different. Winning on the road against a tough, physical Grizzlies team is a statement. Carrying a three-game winning streak into a homestand is how you build real momentum.
The team is building an identity rooted in toughness, resilience, and clutch play. They aren’t just relying on one guy; they’re getting contributions from across the roster. When a key player like Harris goes down, the “next man up” mentality isn’t just a cliché—it’s a reality, as Stewart proved last night.
This victory wasn’t just another tick in the win column. It was a sign of maturation for a young core that is learning how to win together. They’re playing with a swagger and a belief that has been missing for too long in the Motor City.
The rest of the league might still wonder if last year was a fluke, but they’re being put on notice. This team is tough, they’re talented, and they’re not backing down from anyone. The’ve put together a 3-game winning streak after the stinker against Cleveland.
Next Up
The Pistons will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they return home to the Little Caesars Arena.
* **Opponent:** Utah Jazz
* **Date:** Wednesday, November 5, 2025
* **Location:** Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI.
The Jazz had a roller-coaster week — they fell in a heart-breaker to the Portland Trail Blazers 136-134 after launching an 11-0 rally too late, then followed it up with a dramatic 105-103 win over the Boston Celtics when Jusuf Nurkic tipped in the winning basket with 0.6 seconds left. While rookie Keyonte George had a 31-point explosion and Lauri Markkanen continues to score at a high clip, the team’s defensive lapses and shaky consistency still loom large.
With our Pistons firing on all cylinders, what part of this hot start has impressed you the most? Leave a comment below, or jump over to the Pistons Hardwood Hub and start the discussion!
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted Michigan outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
