2025-26 Season
CADE CUNNINGHAM
2025-26 Season
CADE CUNNINGHAM
PBP Credit: Every play is analyzed from play-by-play data. Scorers get difficulty-adjusted credit, assisters get creation value based on the shot opportunity they created, and turnovers are classified by type. Shot difficulty is derived from 1M+ shots across 4 seasons. Full methodology
TEAM COMPARISON
of 15 teammates (10+ games, 10+ min)
Similar Players
Same position, closest production profile this season.
SKILL DNA
Percentile rank vs 245 Guards with 10+ games
THE SEASON SO FAR
A staggering, almost historic offensive burden defined Cade Cunningham's opening stretch, pulling his nightly value between brilliant orchestration and reckless inefficiency. He operated as the absolute sun of his team's universe, relentlessly attacking defensive shells but frequently bleeding value through forced jumpers. Look no further than 10/26 vs BOS, where his 25 points were entirely wiped out by a -9.1 impact score because underlying sloppy ball security dragged his offense into the mud. Then came the absolute spectacle of 11/10 vs WAS. He hoisted an absurd 45 shot attempts to score 46 points, yet somehow willed his way to a massive +18.8 impact by relentlessly attacking the teeth of the defense. Conversely, he found ways to win on the margins even when his jumper completely abandoned him. During 01/19 vs BOS, a miserable 4-for-17 shooting night for just 16 points would normally sink a team, but Cunningham salvaged a +3.9 impact through elite floor generalship and high-level defensive execution. It is a chaotic, exhausting brand of basketball, but his sheer playmaking volume keeps the engine running.
This twenty-game stretch was defined by a volatile pendulum swing between masterful offensive orchestration and crippling shot selection. When Cunningham hunted his own offense recklessly, the hidden costs heavily outweighed his box score production. Look no further than 12/18 vs DAL. Despite racking up 29 points, his massive shot volume and 12-for-30 shooting dragged his net impact down to a dismal -6.3. He hit an even lower floor during 01/15 vs PHX, where an abysmal 3-for-16 shooting night and a tendency to settle for contested jumpers generated a brutal -23.4 impact score. Yet, when he prioritized dissecting coverages over forcing shots, his true value shined through. During 02/01 vs BKN, he scored a modest 18 points but posted a massive +18.6 impact score. By systematically dismantling the opposing defense out of the pick-and-roll, his elite playmaking generated immense positive value without requiring him to dominate the scoring column.
Extreme volatility defined this stretch for Cade Cunningham, bouncing violently between masterful orchestration and self-destructive inefficiency. When he dialed in his off-the-dribble creation and half-court management, he was virtually unstoppable, as seen on 02/11 vs TOR when he posted a +20.9 impact score behind 28 points and nine assists. Heavy offensive burdens frequently triggered hidden costs, however. Look no further than 03/05 vs SAS; despite pouring in 26 points, his impact plummeted to -12.8 because massive shot volume masked severe inefficiency and live-ball turnovers that fueled opponent fast breaks. He can also dominate without forcing shots. On 03/13 vs MEM, he attempted just 11 field goals for 17 points, but his relentless two-way effort and 15 assists drove a +11.6 impact score, making him the absolute engine of the offense. To elevate from a high-usage star to a reliable winning focal point, Cunningham must permanently eradicate the sloppy ball security and forced attempts in traffic.
IMPACT TIMELINE
Game-by-game performance vs average. Green = above average, red = below.
Very consistent. Cunningham posts positive impact in 88% of games — you almost always get a productive night. Scoring varies by ~9 points, but the overall contribution stays positive.
Middle-of-the-road efficiency — shoots 45%+ from the field in 59% of games. Not automatic, but not a problem either.
Defensive difference-maker. Cunningham consistently forces tough shots and protects the rim — opponents shoot worse when he's guarding them.
Performance has dropped off. First-half impact: +16.0, second-half: +11.0. Worth watching whether it's fatigue, injury, or opponents adjusting.
Tends to go on runs. Longest hot streak: 29 games. Longest cold streak: 1 games.
MATCHUP HISTORY
Based on 62 games with tracking data. Shows who guarded this player on offense and who he guarded on defense, with their shooting stats in those matchups.
ON OFFENSE: WHO GUARDED HIM
His shooting stats against each primary defender this season
ON DEFENSE: WHO HE GUARDED
How opponents shot when he was the primary defender. Lower FG% = better defense.
SEASON STATS
GAME LOG
64 games played
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