Pistons vs Wizards: Cade Cunningham Scores Career-High 52 Points as Detroit Wins Double Overtime Thriller

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 144-140 in a thrilling double-overtime contest on November 12, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Cade Cunningham delivered a historic performance, scoring a career-high 52 points and recording 11 assists without committing a single turnover.

The Pistons needed every bit of Cunningham’s outstanding performance to escape with the victory. Washington pushed Detroit to two overtimes behind impressive scoring performances from Trae Young, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr, but the Pistons ultimately found a way to secure the win.

The Pistons vs Wizards matchup featured 20 lead changes and 13 ties, making it one of the most entertaining games of the night.

Cade Cunningham Makes History With Career-High 52 Points

Cade Cunningham produced the best scoring performance of his NBA career against Washington. The Detroit Pistons guard finished with 52 points, five rebounds and 11 assists in 47 minutes and 59 seconds.

He shot an impressive 16-of-25 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, while converting 17 of his 18 free-throw attempts.

Cunningham’s performance was particularly remarkable because he committed zero turnovers throughout the game. According to the supplied game report, he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 50 points and 11 assists without a turnover in a single game.

His biggest contribution came during the fourth quarter and overtime periods, when he scored 30 points.

One of his most important moments arrived in the first overtime. With Detroit trailing 130-127, Cunningham received a pass from Ausar Thompson and knocked down a crucial three-pointer to tie the contest.

He also delivered an important defensive possession against Trae Young late in regulation, forcing a shot-clock violation when Detroit was protecting a one-point lead.

The performance established a new Cade Cunningham career high and placed him among the most productive single-game scorers in Detroit Pistons history.

Ausar Thompson Records First Career Triple-Double

While Cunningham received most of the attention, Ausar Thompson also made history in the Pistons game.

Thompson recorded the first triple-double of his NBA career, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

He also contributed three steals and three blocks, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the floor.

Thompson played an important role in keeping Detroit’s offense moving, attacking the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates.

His assist to Cunningham on the game-tying three-pointer in the first overtime was one of the key moments of the night.

The performance gave Detroit two major individual achievements in the same game, with Cunningham setting a career scoring record and Thompson collecting his first career triple-double.

Washington Wizards Fight Back Behind Trae Young and Anthony Davis

Despite losing, the Washington Wizards produced an impressive offensive performance.

Trae Young led Washington with 37 points and 14 assists. He also made all 17 of his free-throw attempts and knocked down four three-pointers.

Anthony Davis finished with 30 points and 15 rebounds, providing a strong presence inside the paint.

Alex Sarr also scored 30 points, shooting 12-of-14 from the field and making four three-pointers on six attempts.

Kyshawn George added 14 points and five assists while shooting 5-of-7 from the field. He was also perfect from three-point range, making all three of his attempts.

Washington had several opportunities to take control of the contest, but Detroit’s late-game execution ultimately made the difference.

Young’s incredible long-range three-pointer late in the fourth quarter forced overtime after Cunningham had given Detroit a three-point advantage.

The Wizards continued competing in the extra periods, but Cunningham’s scoring and Detroit’s timely shooting proved decisive.

Detroit Pistons vs Washington Wizards Match Player Stats

Here are the complete individual performances from the Detroit Pistons vs Washington Wizards matchup on November 12, 2026.

Detroit Pistons Player Stats

Cunningham led Detroit in scoring, while Thompson recorded a triple-double. Daniss Jenkins contributed 21 points, and Paul Reed added 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Washington Wizards Player Stats

Trae Young led Washington with 37 points and 14 assists, while Davis and Sarr each contributed 30 points.

Pistons vs Wizards: Final Team Statistics

The Detroit Pistons finished with 144 points, while Washington scored 140 after two overtime periods.

Washington actually finished with more rebounds and assists, but Detroit benefited from fewer turnovers and a significant advantage at the free-throw line.

Why the Pistons vs Wizards Game Went to Double Overtime

The contest remained competitive throughout the night, with both teams repeatedly exchanging the lead.

Detroit received outstanding production from Cunningham, but Washington found ways to exploit the Pistons’ problems in the paint.

The absence of Jalen Duren was particularly noticeable. The Pistons struggled with their interior defense and rebounding, allowing Washington to generate additional opportunities near the basket.

John Collins also had a difficult night, finishing with a minus-18 plus/minus rating. Paul Reed, meanwhile, recorded a plus-25 rating and contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Washington’s ability to score inside helped keep the game close despite Cunningham’s extraordinary performance.

The biggest turning point came when Cunningham hit the tying three-pointer in the first overtime. Duncan Robinson appeared to give Detroit a late lead with another three, but a video review ruled that his foot was on the line, changing the shot to a two-pointer.

Young subsequently hit a difficult three-pointer to force another overtime.

Detroit eventually survived the additional period and secured the 144-140 victory.

Pistons Score: Who Won the Detroit Pistons vs Washington Wizards Game?

The Detroit Pistons won the matchup against the Washington Wizards by a final score of 144-140 after two overtime periods.

• Winning Team: Detroit Pistons

• Losing Team: Washington Wizards

• Final Score: Pistons 144, Wizards 140

• Game Date: November 12, 2026

• Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

• Top Scorer: Cade Cunningham (52 points)

• Washington’s Top Scorer: Trae Young (37 points)

• Best Supporting Performance: Ausar Thompson (17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists)

Cunningham’s career night and Thompson’s first triple-double helped Detroit secure an important road victory.

What Is Next for the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards?

The Detroit Pistons will look to build on this victory as they continue their NBA regular-season campaign. Cunningham’s performance provides another reminder of his importance to Detroit’s offense, while Thompson’s development adds another dimension to the team’s attack.

However, Detroit will also need to address its interior defense and rebounding, particularly while Jalen Duren remains unavailable.

For the Washington Wizards, the loss will be disappointing after receiving 37 points from Young and 30-point performances from both Davis and Sarr.

Washington demonstrated that it could compete offensively, but the team will need to improve its late-game execution to turn close contests into victories.

The Pistons-Wizards matchup delivered a historic individual performance, a triple-double and two overtime periods. Ultimately, Cunningham’s 52-point explosion proved to be the difference as Detroit escaped Washington with a 144-140 win.