The Pistons are having a breakthrough season, sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. Cunningham has been the driving force, averaging 25.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
During Detroit’s recent victory over Oklahoma City, the home crowd erupted into loud MVP chants for their star guard. The buzz is real.
During Tuesday’s game between the Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers, Schroder who shared the floor with Cunningham during the 2024-25 season in Detroit delivered a blunt message to his former teammate on the court:
“Nah don’t talk to me now… You got the MVP chants and now you not answering the phone no more huh? I got you though.”
Cunningham struggled against Schroder and the Cavaliers. Detroit fell 113-109, with Cunningham finishing with just 10 points, six rebounds, and 14 assists across 39 minutes.
Schroder’s words carried a teasing tone the kind of ribbing that happens between former teammates. But the timing was perfect: Cunningham had just been serenaded with MVP chants.
With Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander facing uncertainty around the 65-game eligibility rule, the MVP race has slightly opened.
The Pistons play Brooklyn on Friday. Cunningham will have a chance to bounce back. And Schroder will be watching.