The Pistons started the second half with a 19-5 run lasting more than eight minutes. Cunningham scored 15 points and assisted on the other two baskets as Detroit took a 24-point lead. The Knicks missed 14 of their first 16 shots while Detroit scored another eight points in the paint.

The Detroit Pistons are 26-9 through 35 games this season. An underrated hero has been named as a big reason why.

The Pistons won by their largest margin of the year to the second-place Knicks in the first matchup since the playoffs last season.

The Detroit Pistons are also dealing with their own injury problems, as they’re currently playing without starting center Jalen Duren (17.9 ppg) and Tobias Harris (13.4 ppg). Detroit was still able to pick up a road win against the Cavaliers on Sunday in a victory that highlighted the team’s depth.

The top-two teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference face off Monday night in Detroit. How to watch Knicks vs. Pistons.

Detroit looks to maintain conference lead while New York aims to end three-game skid in first meeting since Knicks eliminated Pistons in last season's playoffs.

Cade Cunningham is playing the best basketball of his career and steering the Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference, and he’s quick to credit one steady presence behind the scenes.