Pistons look whole again for playoffs as Cunningham and Stewart return

Detroit had both Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart back in the lineup in a 137-111 win over Milwaukee; Cunningham played about 26 minutes and posted 13 points and 10 assists.

Detroit had both Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart back in the lineup Wednesday after nearly a month apart. Cunningham missed 11 games with a left lung pneumothorax and Stewart missed 13 games with a Grade 1 left calf strain. Their returns came in a 137-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Coaching and medical staff limited their minutes as part of a planned ramp-up. Key details: - The Pistons beat the Milwaukee Bucks 137-111 in the game following the pair's returns. - Cade Cunningham played roughly 26 minutes, finished with 13 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block on 6-of-11 shooting, and recorded his 38th double-double of the season. - Isaiah Stewart played 11 minutes, scored eight points on 3-of-3 shooting, and did not play in the second half per the team's ramp-up plan. - Jalen Duren reached the 65-game threshold and had 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists and a game-high plus-24. - The team had balanced scoring with seven players in double figures, 38 assists (tying a season high), 66 paint points, 63 bench points and 32 fast-break points. Summary: The return of Cunningham and Stewart restores depth and continuity to Detroit's rotation as the team moves toward the postseason. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Cunningham's availability over the next two games will depend on how he feels while the staff increases his game minutes. As of now, it appears unlikely Cunningham will meet the NBA's 65-game minimum for award eligibility, and the final status remains undetermined.