Cunningham’s and Doncic’s eligibility was confirmed after their respective challenges under the 65-game award rule. Anthony Edwards’ challenge was advanced to an independent arbitrator but ultimately denied, leaving him ineligible for awards this season.
Cunningham was one game short of the 65-game threshold but returned for the final three regular-season games, averaging 23.9 points and 9.9 assists over those contests. Doncic played in 64 games, while Edwards appeared in 61.
The Pistons clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs for the first time since 2006-07 and will face the winner of Friday’s play-in game between the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets in the first round.
Cunningham’s All-NBA performance in 2025 elevated the total value of his contract by about $45 million, resulting in a five-year extension worth $269.09 million signed in July 2024. Earning All-NBA honors also enables a “supermax” salary increase of up to 35 percent of the team’s salary cap space.
The ruling underscores Cunningham’s rising stature and could influence awards conversations as Detroit pursues a deep playoff run with one of the league’s top seeds.
