Cade Cunningham’s 36 points and Malik Beasley’s clutch 3-pointers help the Pistons get a 124-119 win at MSG.
The sound you hear in the distance is being generated by a MotorCade, rumbling out of Detroit.
Yes, the SUV for Cade Cunningham is revved up and has grabbed a lane in the Kia MVP Ladder. Too soon? Not really — unless you haven’t been following his recent escapades for the suddenly-competitive Detroit Pistons.
Cunningham has arguably been a top-five player since the calendar flipped to 2025, and actually, he has been solid all season. It’s just that his flow from November through December was done in the shadows. But now that the Pistons are rolling — they’re 7-2 this month with an impressive road win over the Knicks on Monday — the shine is on him.
And the former No. 1 overall pick in 2021 is OK with that. Finally healthy and showing the all-around skills that could get him into the All-Star Game next month, Cunningham is averaging 25.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game in January. His performance is heightened when you consider the Pistons lost Jaden Ivey for the season with a broken left leg.
“Being able to play the game how you feel, how you see it. But obviously, with great power comes great responsibility. You’ve got to make sure you’re doing what’s best for the team,” Cunningham said.
We won’t get too far ahead of ourselves with Cunningham, who checks in at No. 9. But, he deserves his bouquet. Let’s see how he responds to all the hype from here and if he can get the once-lowly Pistons into the playoffs. That’s what an MVP candidate does.
Setting the stage this week: This has less to do with the ladder and more to do with “The Wall.” As in, the popular fan section at the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, home of the LA Clippers. That arena and those rows of seats will be tested Sunday when the Lakers make their first visit (9 p.m. ET, NBA TV). Will that still be a “home” game for the Clippers, or will Lakers fans crash the joint?
The stat to know: Luka Dončić, who is still on the mend, will not meet the required number of games played to be considered for major awards and therefore has fallen off the Ladder. Fortunately, he’ll be OK, and then some, when he returns for Dallas.
What they are saying: “If I’m around the league and I’m watching teams play, he’s another guy I would really enjoy playing with. Last year we were talking about Tyrese Haliburton; he’s the new Tyrese Haliburton. He is that guy who is an absolute stud.” — former NBA player Chandler Parsons, on Cunningham.
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 31.6 points, 6 assists, 2 steals
His case: The good times continue for Gilgeous-Alexander as the Thunder, fresh off a romp over the East-leading Cavaliers, show no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Same for Gilgeous-Alexander as he has dipped under 30 points just twice this month (in blowout wins) and leads the league in scoring and is No. 3 in steals.
And the Thunder schedule lightens up from here, with a pair against the short-handed Mavericks, plus the Jazz, Nets, Blazers and Warriors. All of which provide a chance for Gilgeous-Alexander to put up even bigger numbers.
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 30.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, 9.9 assists
His case: Jokić is dealing with a bum elbow and subsequently is shooting less and therefore scoring less for the Nuggets as of late. However: He’s OK with that last part because his teammates are starting to — finally — play better and rely less on his scoring.
The Nuggets are starting to surge, and if Denver is high in the West standings at season’s end, that can only positively reflect on Jokić’s chances of grabbing another MVP trophy.
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 31.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists
His case: Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.3 ppg in January so far, his lowest monthly average of the season. However, that’s more reflective of having to shoot less for the Bucks, who have turned the corner on a season that began slowly and demanded more from Antetokounmpo.
It’s all good — Antetokounmpo is the leading fan vote-getter for the All-Star Game, a sign of respect.
Last week’s ranking: No. 6
Season stats: 25.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists
His case: Towns is dealing with wrist and thumb issues and had to sit a game; neither injury is considered serious enough to bench him for an extended period.
Otherwise, the consistently high-level performances by Towns keep him high on the Ladder. He went for 30 and 18 against Antetokounmpo and the Bucks before the injury and has a decent chance to be named a starter for the All-Star Game.
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4 blocks
His case: Wembanyama continues to issue decent performances although it has been a mixed bag lately, as the Spurs have stumbled in the standings, losers of four of their last five. He’ll need a good stretch to remain in the top five next week.
Also, with a Friday tip against Memphis (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), this is the right time to pause and remind those who were stunned the other day by a recent Ja Morant highlight (although that dunk on Wembanyama didn’t count).
6. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
9. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
10. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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