The Detroit Pistons showcased a stunning performance in Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, clinching a decisive 115-94 victory on May 15, 2026. This win set the stage for an anticipated Game 7 matchup.
Cade Cunningham’s Impressive MVP Finish
Despite his team’s success, Cade Cunningham finished fifth in the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting. The announcement came just before the pivotal Game 7 on May 17, 2026. Among the 100 global media voters, six included Cunningham in their top three choices.
Season Highlights
Cunningham’s performance this season has been outstanding. He led the Pistons to a 60-win record, earning them the top seed in the Eastern Conference. For the season, he averaged:
- 23.9 points per game
- 9.9 assists per game
- 5.5 rebounds per game
Voting Breakdown
In the MVP voting, Cunningham ranked highly, accumulating a total of 117 points based on the following:
- Two first-place votes
- One second-place vote
- Three third-place votes
- 11 fourth-place votes
- 42 fifth-place votes
His Game 7 opponent, Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers, tied for seventh, receiving one fifth-place vote.
2026 MVP Award Winner
The MVP award was ultimately awarded to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He made history, becoming the 14th player to win consecutive MVP awards. Gilgeous-Alexander garnered:
- 83 first-place votes
- A total of 939 points out of a possible 1,000
Other top contenders included Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets with 634 points and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs with 589 points. Luka Doncic of the LA Lakers placed fourth with 250 points.
Looking Ahead to Game 7
The Detroit Pistons now shift focus to Game 7 against the Cavaliers. Fans can follow live updates, streaming options, and betting odds as the teams prepare for this critical showdown.
