In this day and age, engines tend to be one of two things. You have your traditional car engines that run on gasoline and diesel and they’re as loud as can be. There’s also the engine of an electric car: quiet and efficient, especially with the advancements in technology. 

Suffice to say, Cade Cunningham is a healthy mix of both. 

Cunningham had quite the rousing start against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring the Detroit Pistons’ first eight points of the game. Daniss Jenkins had an explosive second quarter, but Cunningham continued to be involved behind the scenes, keeping the ball moving and remaining a threat despite finishing with more assists (five) than points (four) during that period. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy made some noise once again in the third quarter with his 11 points and he stayed aggressive and got to the line multiple times. 

On the second of a back-to-back set, the vaunted New York Knicks, who this season have been a challenge for lead guards, came to town. Cunningham had no issues dissecting the Knicks defense as he was able to balance matching Jalen Brunson in a shootout while leading the overall team offense with his game-high 13 assists. 

Cunninham’s multi-faceted game is a culmination of his work in the previous seasons. As the Pistons languished in the bottom of the standings, the top overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft went to work, refining his game and learning to thrive through adversity, whether these were challenges on the court or ones that kept him on the sidelines. Many would have wanted out after years of losses, but Cunningham stayed and in the last two seasons, he has reaped the fruits of his labor. 

Cunningham was named an All-Star for the first time last season and earned All-NBA Third Team honors. The maturity in his game was evident, but more importantly, it has led to results that currently has Detroit at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. 

All things considered, Cunningham has established himself as an MVP candidate and his performance, along with perhaps some voter fatigue, could give him a shot at taking home the prize. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s case remains strong. The looming February 25 and March matchups against Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder could become pivotal swing games and are now must-see TV. Cunningham has shown he’s not one to back down, as he has gotten the best of the likes of Brunson, who with New York eliminated the Pistons last postseason. 

Health remains Cunningham’s biggest challenge, though, as he has only hit the 70-game mark in a regular season once. The 24-year old has only missed three games so far this season and as long as he plays 65 games, he’s in line for some awards. Good health isn’t just a near-term concern as a clean bill of health could spell the difference between Cunningham being a perennial MVP candidate and a cautionary tale full of what-ifs. 

The puns at times to run themselves and it’s fitting that Cade Cunningham is the engine that keeps the Detroit Pistons humming. Challenges have only made him stronger and when the stakes rise, Cunningham doesn’t hide as he faces them head on.