How Cade Cunningham’s 3 turnovers down stretch doomed Pistons in Game 3 vs. Cavs

The Detroit Pistons had a chance to secure a 3-0 series lead on Saturday, but the Cleveland Cavaliers survived the game 116-109 to get their first win of the series.

Read more Steve Kerr contract details: Warriors retain head coach on two-year deal after brief flirtation with retirement

Cade Cunningham is a big reason why Detroit is here in the first place, as he’s carried the team to this point. However, Cunningham’s mistakes on Saturday afternoon played a big role in Detroit’s loss, giving Cleveland several opportunities,

In the final three minutes, Cunningham turned the ball over on three consecutive possessions, which led to four Cavaliers points. Had Cunningham protected the ball better, Detroit may have been able to bury Cleveland on the brink of elimination.

Here’s a look at Cunningham’s crucial mistakes.

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket

Cade Cunningham turnovers down the stretch

Cade Cunningham once again put up a strong stat line against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he had a brutal three-play stretch that ultimately doomed the Detroit Pistons.

First, in a tie game, the point guard threw an inbounds pass right to Max Strus, who went the other way to give Cleveland a two-point lead. Then, Cunningham threw a pass into the hands of Jarrett Allen, but Cleveland was unable to take advantage with a bucket.

Finally, Cunningham tried to find Tobias Harris on the wing, but his pass was wide and out of bounds, resulting in Cavaliers ball. James Harden would go on to make a bucket and give the Cavaliers a four-point lead, as Cleveland held on to win by seven.

Read more Gonzo’s Quest Megaways Slot Review

With 2:34 remaining in the fourth quarter…

Cade Cunningham turnover
Cade Cunningham turnover
Cade Cunningham turnover

Three straight possessions. pic.twitter.com/DPi5LfJ0Kr

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 9, 2026

Cade Cunningham  4th quarter stats

• Minutes: 10
• Points: 7
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 2
• Turnovers: 3
• +/-: -7
• FGM-FGA: 3-8
• 3PM-3PA: 1-2
• FTM-FTA: 0-0

Cunningham’s fourth quarter was tough, as he produced more turnovers than rebounds or assists while the Pistons were outscored by seven in his minutes. Although he had two huge buckets in the final minute, they were negated by his careless turnovers that helped the Cavaliers seal their first victory of the series.

MORE: Full list of 2026 NBA award winners

Cade Cunningham Game 3 stats

• Minutes: 39
• Points: 27
• Rebounds: 10
• Assists: 10
• Turnovers: 8
• +/-: +6
• FGM-FGA: 10-27
• 3PM-3PA: 2-6
• FTM-FTA: 5-6

For the most part, Cade Cunningham filled up the stat sheet for Detroit Pistons, as he produced a triple-double for the second time in his playoff career. However, Cunningham’s eight turnovers were the story of the game, especially since three of them came with under three minutes left in the contest.

Cunningham has now totaled at least 20 points in each playoff game this season, but he has also racked up the turnovers. This was his third playoff game with at least eight turnovers, and he’s had at least six turnovers in half of his playoff games this year.

Read more Why Billy Slater doesn’t want Munster’s opinion on new Maroons No.7