Cade Cunningham scores 30 points to help the Pistons hold off the Hornets, 97-89

DETROIT (AP) — Cade Cunningham scored 30 points to help the Detroit Pistons hold off the Charlotte Hornets 97-89 on Wednesday night.

Paul Reed added 16 points and Ausar Thompson had seven points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the Pistons (4-1). They were coming off a 111-97 loss at New York on Tuesday night.

Brandon Miller had 31 points and 12 rebounds for Charlotte, but missed five of his seven shots in the fourth quarter. Dennis Schroeder scored 14 points, but no other Hornets reached double figures.

Charlotte turned the ball over 25 times to Detroit’s 14.

Miller had 21 points as the Hornets built a 51-44 halftime lead. Neither team could consistently hit shots, but Charlotte’s 6-0 advantage in second-chance points was enough to keep it ahead.

Cade Cunningham scores 30 points to help the Pistons hold off the Hornets, 97-89 | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) goes to the basket against Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit, though, started the third quarter with a 16-5 run that included 3-pointers from four players. The Pistons also forced eight turnovers in the quarter on their way to a 76-70 lead.

Charlotte stayed close for most of the fourth, but Miller’s shooting struggles and five more turnovers kept it from making a serious challenge.

Up next

Hornets: At Washington on Friday night.

Pistons: At Brooklyn on Friday night.

Cade Cunningham scores 30 points to help the Pistons hold off the Hornets, 97-89 | iNFOnews.ca
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson, right, knocks the ball out of the hands of Charlotte Hornets center Naz Reid (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Cade Cunningham scores 30 points to help the Pistons hold off the Hornets, 97-89 | iNFOnews.ca
Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee directs his team against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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See AP’s full NBA coverage here

Cade Cunningham scores 30 points to help the Pistons hold off the Hornets, 97-89 | iNFOnews.ca
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, left, argues a call with referee Bill Kennedy during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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