Carmelo Anthony Praises Cade Cunningham in Knicks vs. Pistons Playoff Series

NEW YORK, New York — Carmelo Anthony, the New York Knicks star and newly inducted Hall of Famer, recently expressed admiration for Detroit Pistons player Cade Cunningham during the ongoing Eastern Conference playoff series. As the series against the Pistons stands tied at 1-1, Anthony made his comments following a standout performance by Cunningham in Game 2.

Cunningham, a former Oklahoma State star, delivered an impressive 33-point game with 12 rebounds, leading Detroit to a 100-94 victory over the Knicks on Monday. Anthony, seated courtside at Madison Square Garden, was visibly impressed by Cunningham’s skills and potential. “I’ve always said I wanted to work with Cade,” Anthony stated. “He got everything. He’s a 6’6 point guard… If he gets a couple one-twos out of that post, he’s tough.”

During Game 2, Cunningham showcased his agility with a memorable dunk in the third quarter, which he celebrated with a pointed gesture toward Anthony. This moment resonated with the NBA legend, who elaborated on the significance of the exchange. “It’s a respect thing,” Anthony said, appreciating Cunningham’s acknowledgment.

As the Pistons aim to advance in the playoffs, Anthony added that their current success is due to the right team composition and their ability to play physically. “They built that team the right way, the right pieces… They got Cade, who can lead now. That’s scary,” Anthony noted.

In recognition of Cunningham’s achievements, he received his first All-Star nod this season and was nominated for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. The ongoing playoff series presents a vital opportunity for him to solidify his place in the NBA.

“This is a very important series for you,” Anthony said to Cunningham, emphasizing the significance of the competition, not just for the teams involved but also for the players’ individual careers.

As the series shifts back to Detroit for Game 3, both the Knicks and the Pistons are gearing up for a competitive match, with Cunningham looking to leverage the momentum gained from his previous performance.