Pistons Stun Nuggets Again: Cade Cunningham Outduels Jokić in Motor City

Read Time:2 Minute, 10 Second

The Detroit Pistons are no longer the league’s “easy win.” On Tuesday night, February 3, 2026, the Pistons continued their mid-season surge by taking down the powerhouse Denver Nuggets 124–121. The victory marks Detroit’s second win over Denver in a week and their fifth victory in their last six games.

Coming off a franchise-record 53-point win over the Nets on Sunday, the Pistons proved they can grind out close games against elite competition, surviving a late Denver rally to sweep the season series.

Cade’s Masterclass vs. The Joker

The game featured a heavyweight battle between two All-Stars, but it was Cade Cunningham who controlled the tempo from the jump.

Cade Cunningham: Finished with 29 points and 10 assists, including 17 points in a dominant first half. His ability to navigate Denver’s double-teams late in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference.
Nikola Jokić: The reigning MVP was held to just seven points in the first half on 3-of-10 shooting. He eventually found his rhythm, finishing with 24 points and 15 rebounds, but Detroit’s frontcourt length made every touch a struggle.
Jalen Duren: The young center provided the muscle, recording 19 points and 13 rebounds while playing a key role in limiting Jokić’s early impact.

A Tale of Two Halves

Detroit came out of the gate with a level of intensity that Denver simply didn’t match.

The Surge: The Pistons outscored the Nuggets 37–23 in the second quarter to build a commanding 69–50 halftime lead.
The Response: Denver, led by Jamal Murray (32 points), clawed back from a 20-point third-quarter deficit. Murray hit a clutch three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining to bring Denver within two points (112–110).
The Closer: Tobias Harris answered immediately with a corner three, and Detroit iced the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds despite a last-second heave from Murray that rattled off the rim.

The Ivey Trade Shocker

While the action on the court was thrilling, the biggest news of the day happened in the front office. Just hours before tip-off, Detroit finalized a blockbuster three-way trade:

Departing: Guard Jaden Ivey was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Incoming: The Pistons acquired sharpshooter Kevin Huerter and veteran big man Dario Šarić in a deal involving the Bulls and Timberwolves.

The move signals Detroit’s commitment to surrounding Cunningham with elite spacing, a strategy that paid immediate dividends as Duncan Robinson (who started in Ivey’s place) chipped in 20 points on six three-pointers.