What’s the Most FG Attempts and Misses in a Single NBA Game? Cade Cunningham’s 45 Shots Ignite Curiosity
Cade Cunningham overcame a rough shooting night to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 137-135 overtime home win over the Washington Wizards on Monday, marking his team’s seventh straight victory. However, the star guard’s 46-point triple-double was overshadowed by his whopping 45 field-goal attempts.
The eye-popping shot total left many wondering where it ranked in league history. Meanwhile, Cunningham’s missed field-goal tally reached unprecedented heights.
How Close Did Cade Cunningham Come to Challenging the NBA Record for Most Single-Game FG Attempts?
Cunningham stuffed the stat sheet against Washington, recording a game-high 46 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, two blocks, and two 3-pointers, nullifying Wizards veteran guard CJ McCollum’s season-best 42-point effort. The one-time All-Star did so despite shooting just 14-for-45 (31.1%), making up for his inaccuracy by going 16-for-18 at the free-throw line (88.9%).
The 24-year-old’s 45 shot attempts were 13 more than this season’s previous high of 32 attempts set by three players (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey, Lauri Markkanen).
Cunningham also came within striking distance of the overall record of 50 field-goal attempts, famously set by Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant during his farewell outing against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016. The five-time NBA champion went out with a bang, going 22-for-50 (44%) en route to an unlikely 60-point performance.
Cunningham is one of five players to reach 45 field-goal attempts since the 1983-84 campaign, joining Bryant, Michael Jordan, Jalen Brunson, and Chris Webber. However, when it comes to single-game misses, he is now in a league of his own.
Cade Cunningham finishes 14/45 FGs with 46 points in tonight’s #Pistons win.
Only Kobe Bryant has taken more FGs in a winning effort (including the 81-point game). pic.twitter.com/IJnrcSk2qB
— Bryan Everson (@BryanEversonOP) November 11, 2025
The 2021 No. 1 pick’s 31 missed field goals set an NBA record, edging out Bryant’s 30 misfires (17-for-47) during a Nov. 7, 2002, loss to the Boston Celtics.
Cade Cunningham missed 31 field goals tonight, which is a new NBA record pic.twitter.com/XC3FneVRGR
— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) November 11, 2025
Cunningham’s historic evening was made possible by Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins, who drilled a buzzer-beating corner triple to tie the game at 127-127 and force overtime. Jenkins’ clutch shot capped off a late fourth-quarter push by Cunningham that gave his team a chance to extend the contest.
DANISS. JENKINS.
WHAT A SHOT TO SEND THE GAME TO OT 🤯
WATCH OT: https://t.co/sqE0hFb0yy https://t.co/Aowe7tXlY8 pic.twitter.com/khXyN7PiBi
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025
Detroit sharpshooter Duncan Robinson later put his squad ahead for good (134-133) after knocking down a long-range shot with 1:04 remaining in the extra period.
With the last-second victory, the Pistons (9-2) increased their cushion atop the Eastern Conference. They now sit two full games ahead of the second-seeded New York Knicks (6-3).
Cunningham and Co. will look to extend their league-best winning streak to eight games during Wednesday’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls (6-4), the second contest of their four-game homestand.
