Cade Cunningham scored 52 points in Washington on November 12, 2026, but the most unusual number in his performance was zero. He added 11 assists without committing a turnover as the Detroit Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 144-140 after two overtimes at Capital One Arena.
The NBA’s official historical report identifies it as the first game combining at least 50 points, 10 assists and no turnovers. Individual turnovers have been tracked since the 1977-78 season, which defines the historical scope of the achievement. Field Level Media’s independent roundup confirms both the statistical first and that starting point.
Career-high scoring with the ball kept safe
The scoring itself was a career best. Cunningham made 16 of his 25 field-goal attempts, including three of five from beyond the arc, and converted 17 of 18 free throws. The official NBA box score records five rebounds, one steal and one block alongside his points and assists. His 52-point total exceeded his previous high of 46.
His evening also grew more productive as the game became more urgent. Coty M. Davis’ report for The Detroit News notes that 30 of Cunningham’s points came in the fourth quarter and the overtime periods. Subtracting those from his final total leaves 22 through three quarters: more than half of his scoring arrived after that stage.
Washington twice refused to let it end
Detroit still could not finish the game in regulation. The Pistons led 121-118 in the closing seconds before Trae Young hit a three-pointer at the buzzer. That basket reset the contest at 121-121 and created the first extra period. Cunningham’s huge individual night therefore remained tied to a result that was still uncertain.
Another late Washington shot prolonged the contest again. Rookie AJ Dybantsa’s jumper tied the score at 132 and forced the second overtime. Detroit Bad Boys’ independent analysis also documents Washington’s seven-point lead early in the first overtime. Detroit had to recover from that deficit before it could finally settle the game.
Another milestone alongside the record
Cunningham also had substantial help. Ausar Thompson recorded the first triple-double of his career with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. His assist total matched Cunningham’s, giving Detroit two players who reached double figures in both scoring and assists. The official league report, The Detroit News and Field Level Media all document Thompson’s milestone.
Washington’s own numbers help explain why two extra periods were required. Young scored 37 points and supplied 14 assists, while Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr each finished with 30 points. Yet Cunningham paired the largest scoring total on either team with 11 assists and no lost possessions charged to him. That final zero gave a memorable double-overtime victory its place in the record book.
Sources and further reading
- NBA: Cunningham’s historical performance
- NBA: official game box score
- Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News via Yahoo Sports
- Field Level Media via KFGO: NBA roundup
- Detroit Bad Boys: independent game analysis
