DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114-97 in an entertaining game for the home crowd. Although it was just win number 11 on the season, fans have continued to support.

The Pistons rank 19th in the NBA for home attendance, ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.

And tonight fans were rewarded with the Pistons 11th victory of the season. The Pistons won behind balance on offense and a defensive effort they’ve showed more since the trade deadline.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in a very balanced attack despite the Hornets blitzing him on defense. He finished with 22 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds as the focal point of the Hornets defensive game plan.

”I think he (Cunningham) has great balance,” Monty Williams said. “They (Hornets) blitz from the front and he lets his teammates make plays.”

”I thought he had a good balance at accepting the double team and aggression.”

The Cade Way

Cunningham has had to adjust this season to the defensive looks aimed at trapping and blitzing him. But he’s improved as the year has gone on, although he struggled earlier with turnovers facing the similar looks.

Now he looks much more comfortable leading the attack even when the opponents defense sends extra help. Cunningham has been better at giving the ball up early, or calling for the pick and roll before the defense gets set.

This has created better opportunities for assists to his teammates, as well as aggressive drives resulting in higher free throw attempts.

Jalen Duren who finished with a 20 point and 10 rebound double-double finds the game easier to play when on the floor with Cunningham.

”Playing with a guy like that makes the game way simpler,” Duren said. “For the team and our offense, he gets it done every night.”

Wise Minutes

Maligned center James Wiseman was a big contributor to the Pistons win. Although he had a good performance off the bench scoring 10 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in 17 minutes, his energy, aggression and attentiveness on defense was most noticeable. Including a big dunk over a Hornets defender that brought the Little Caesars Arena crowd to life.

“I think his approach is tremendous,” Williams said.” It allows him to have these kinds of nights.”

”If he was emotionally unstable it would be difficult for him to have these types of nights. You’re starting to see some of his hard work start to pay off for him.”

The one consistent refrain about Wiseman from teammates and coaches is about work ethic in practice, and preparation for games. So naturally they’re happy to see their hard working teammate have moments like this.

“Big Wise is a great talent,” Duren said. “He’s here for a reason. I’m happy to see how he’s coming along every day. He’s always one of the first guys in the gym.”