Cade Cunningham’s Respect for James Harden’s Scoring Prowess
Despite theDetroit Pistons’ rise as playoff contenders with Cade Cunningham as an All-Star, they’ve noticed a disparity in free-throw opportunities compared to their opponents. The recent game highlighted James Harden’s significant free throw attempts, prompting Cunningham and others to address the issue. Cunningham commended Harden’s scoring abilities while also expressing concerns about the uneven calls.
Acknowledging Harden’s Performance and Skill
Cunningham praised Harden’s scoring prowess, acknowledging him as one of the best isolation scorers in NBA history. While Harden’s free throws played a crucial role in his scoring, Cunningham emphasized the respect due to Harden’s talent and scoring finesse.
Shift in Defensive Strategy and Game Pace
In a game where Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell were absent, Harden’s offensive performance prompted the Pistons to adjust their defensive strategy, slowing down the game’s tempo. However, the Pistons felt they weren’t receiving fair calls, especially in comparison to Harden, based on his experience and reputation in the league.
Disparity in Free-Throw Attempts
Despite Cunningham’s increased free-throw attempts this season, he still trails behind more seasoned guards like Harden in this aspect. While Cunningham averages five attempts per game, Harden surpasses seven, with a career average of eight free throws per game. Harden’s exceptional 20 free-throw attempts in the recent game highlighted the disparity further.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges faced by Cunningham and the Pistons in terms of free-throw differentials, they are focused on regrouping for upcoming games. Following a loss against the Clippers, the Pistons aim to bounce back in a back-to-back series, starting with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Cunningham’s resilience and determination remain key as the Pistons navigate the final stretch of the season.