Cade Cunningham pulled off a huge comeback on the road. The Detroit Pistons came back from a 24-point deficit to win 93-79, the biggest road playoff comeback since the 1996-97 season.

Cunningham's performance got attention across Detroit, including from the Detroit Lions. The team reacted with a two-word message for Cunningham.

“Smooth Operator,” the X post read, referencing Cade Cunningham's nickname.

The Pistons guard is lovingly called the Smooth Operator due to his smooth and calm playing style. And the song by the music band Sade is played at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit when Cunningham scores.

Detroit was in a tough spot just days ago, down 3-1 in the series. But Cunningham stepped up when it mattered most, scoring 77 points across the last two games to keep their hopes alive.

He scored 32 points, had ten rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block in 42 minutes of action in Game 6. While the Magic struggled badly in the second half and managed only 19 points.

The series now heads to Game 7 in Detroit, giving the Pistons a strong chance to complete the comeback.

That said, the Detroit Lions are also working through changes this offseason.

Lions Double Down on Identity After Tough Season

The Lions are heading into the new season with a clear goal. After falling short last year, the team has spent time looking at what went wrong and what needs to change going forward.

General manager Brad Holmes spoke after the draft and pointed to one main idea.

“It was just that, it was just finding gritty football players," said Holmes. "Getting back to – I’m not saying we forgot about our identity, but just making sure that was at the top of mind."

Holmes explained that this mindset was part of their draft process, where every pick was judged on how well the player fits the team’s style and approach.

"That’s why every single player that we took, there were sometimes where we were writing notes and I write down, ‘This guy is a football player.’ I go back and I’m reading my notes through all the guys that we’ve picked, and I’m just highlighting that I said that about every single one of these guys," Holmes added.

That focus is already showing in the roster. There will be open battles at several spots, with rookies and veterans fighting for playing time during camp.

Blake Miller will compete with Larry Borom at right tackle. Keith Abney could push for a role at nickel, while Roger McCreary and Ennis Rakestraw are also in the mix.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore