It took them only two years to go from 28 consecutive losses to leading their division.

December 31, 2023, remains unforgettable for Pistons’ Cunningham. He put up 30 points and 12 assists that day, breaking the team's painfully long 28-game losing streak. As the final buzzer sounded, the home fans celebrated like champions, while Cunningham crouched down recalling the tough two months behind him, feeling the weight of pressure finally release.

Few probably expected that from this game onward, the Pistons’ comeback would officially begin. The management removed the root cause of the losing streak, Monty Williams, and hired a coach better suited for Cunningham. The team was transformed, and last season the Pistons finished with a 44-38 record, securing the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Last season, Cunningham evolved into one of the top point guards in the East, making his first All-Star appearance. He averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 46.9% and a three-point percentage of 35.6%. Compared to before, Cunningham’s biggest improvement was in his shooting, becoming a significant threat from both three-point range and mid-range.

Although Cunningham was eliminated by the Knicks in the first round, he still averaged 25 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks over six games. However, his three-point shooting dropped to 17.9%, much lower than in the regular season, which contributed to the Pistons’ narrow defeat to the Knicks.

After delivering an All-Star-level season but exiting in the first round, Cunningham faced the biggest question: can he get even better? Should he remain an ordinary All-Star point guard in the East, capable of leading the Pistons to the playoffs but never far beyond? Or should he continue to improve and soar into the super-stardom tier, reviving the glory of Motor City? Clearly, this season Cunningham has chosen the latter.

In today’s Pistons comeback win over the 76ers, Cunningham delivered another signature performance of the season. He shot just 1-for-9 in the first half but still contributed 8 assists. However, his poor shooting caused the Pistons to trail by as many as 13 points at halftime.

A similar scenario occurred yesterday with Mitchell, who was 1-for-10 at halftime as the Cavaliers trailed by 19 points. Yet Mitchell exploded in the second half, scoring 26 points like a god descending, including an 8-point run in the clutch that turned the game around.

Perhaps some of you feel this way: with certain superstars, even if their first half is terrible, you just know they will explode in the second half. You trust their ability to adjust and their resilience under pressure in tough moments.

Today, Cunningham replicated Mitchell’s performance from yesterday. In the third quarter, he went 5-for-7, scoring 17 points and outscoring the 76ers by 13 in that period, quickly turning the tide. The final quarter clutch moments once again became Cunningham’s stage to shine.

Before this game, Cunningham was already the undisputed clutch king this season, having scored 19 points in the fourth quarter in back-to-back games against tough opponents. In today’s decisive moments, he first posterized Drummond for a and-one, then spun around for a mid-range jumper to seal the win.

Looking closely at these two plays, Cunningham was matched up against forward Oubre, who simply couldn’t handle Cunningham despite him being nominally a point guard. Under physical pressure on the move, Oubre was thoroughly outmatched. The dunk showed Cunningham’s toughness finishing at the rim this season, while the fadeaway jumper demonstrated his strong core strength and clutch mentality in crunch time.

Cunningham finished the second half shooting 8-for-11 for 24 points, a complete contrast to his first half. In many games this season, Cunningham has controlled the team and set up teammates in the first half, then turned it on to close out games in the second half. Today, the 76ers applied constant double-teams, which worked well in the first half, but Cunningham always solved the problem before the traps fully arrived in the second half.

With the win over the 76ers, the Pistons have now won six straight games and continue to hold first place in the East, with an 8-2 record that puts them one game ahead of the Cavaliers. Finishing 10 games into the season in this position has exceeded many expectations. People expected the Pistons to remain competitive but not to be this dominant.

Over two years, the Pistons have transformed from a bottom-dwelling team to division leaders. Meanwhile, Cunningham has gone from a doubted "bust number one pick" to fully realizing his top pick potential, becoming one of the league’s elite ball handlers.

During the toughest times, Cunningham faced season-ending injuries and a 28-game losing streak to start the season. Only those who have been through such hardships can truly understand the difficulty. Cunningham later said it was these struggles that shaped who they are today. Adversity builds character, and enduring the darkest times makes one cherish the light even more.

Success and failure are only temporary, with ups and downs constantly alternating. But the experience gained and the qualities forged during the journey are eternal; they will accompany you throughout your career and become a lifelong treasure.

As a number one pick, Cunningham didn’t have the best start, but perhaps all these experiences were meant to be. After the waves settle, the pure gold that remains shines brightly and never fades.