NEW YORK – In a thrilling encounter at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks triumphed over the Detroit Pistons with a score of 123-112 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 19, 2025. The Knicks showcased their resilience by staging a remarkable comeback, highlighted by a stunning 21-0 run in the fourth quarter that left the Pistons reeling.
Jalen Brunson, who had been struggling with his shooting earlier in the game, emerged as the hero for the Knicks, finishing with a game-high 34 points. His performance was particularly notable as he rallied from a lackluster first half, where he was just 4-for-15 shooting, to dominate the final quarter. Brunson's transformation began after he switched sneakers, a change that coach Tom Thibodeau humorously suggested was akin to "grabbing his cape." "I think he was grabbing his cape," Thibodeau said, encapsulating the moment when Brunson returned to the court with renewed energy.
The Knicks found themselves in a precarious position late in the third quarter, trailing 98-90 with just over nine minutes left on the clock. However, Brunson and his teammates turned the tide decisively. Cam Payne, who contributed significantly off the bench, scored 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, providing the spark the Knicks needed. Payne began the decisive run with a three-point play, followed by a crucial 3-pointer that tied the game at 98.
As the Knicks surged ahead, the atmosphere in Madison Square Garden shifted dramatically. The once-quiet arena erupted with cheers as the home team took control. Josh Hart capped off the run with the final two baskets, extending the Knicks' lead to 111-98 with just 4:50 remaining. "I've been kind of waiting on that all year," Payne remarked, reflecting on his performance. "I've been waiting on this game, how I played today, all year."
Karl-Anthony Towns also made a significant impact in his first playoff game with the Knicks, contributing 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. OG Anunoby matched Towns' scoring output with another 23 points, reinforcing the Knicks' strong offensive display.
On the other side, the Pistons, who were looking to snap their NBA-record 14-game postseason losing streak, held a solid lead for much of the game. Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 25 points, though he struggled in the second half, scoring just three points. Cade Cunningham, making his playoff debut, added 21 points and 12 assists but faced a challenging night against the Knicks' defense, shooting only 8-for-21 from the field.
Despite their early promise, the Pistons couldn’t maintain their momentum, and as the Knicks exploited their mistakes, the game slipped away. The Pistons' last lead evaporated quickly as they failed to score for nearly five minutes during the Knicks' explosive run. "Obviously, for this group, guys having first-time playoff experience, just understanding yeah, it stinks to lose, but it’s all about how you come back," Harris said post-game, acknowledging the lessons learned from the tough loss.
The Knicks will host Game 2 of the series on Monday night, looking to build on this momentum and take a commanding lead in the best-of-seven series. The victory not only boosts the Knicks' confidence but also serves as a reminder of their potential when they play at their best.
This thrilling matchup sets the stage for an exciting playoff series ahead, as both teams look to establish their dominance. With the Knicks now holding the upper hand, the Pistons will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling into a deeper hole in this playoff battle.
