The New York Knicks have taken an early lead in their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, securing a 123-112 victory in Game 1 on April 19, 2025. The Knicks, who entered the postseason as the No. 3 seed, showcased their resilience in a thrilling fourth quarter, outscoring the Pistons 40-21. Jalen Brunson was the star of the night, scoring 34 points and leading the team to a strong finish.
Brunson, who has established himself as a clutch performer in the playoffs, had a rocky start to the game. After struggling with his shooting and limping off the court late in the third quarter due to a foot injury, he returned to the game in the fourth wearing a fresh pair of sneakers. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau humorously remarked, "I think he grabbed his cape," after Brunson’s stellar performance in the final period.
The Knicks trailed by eight points entering the fourth quarter, but Brunson’s return ignited a 21-0 run that flipped the game in New York's favor. Brunson scored 12 of his total points in that decisive quarter, showcasing his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. He finished the night with eight assists, further proving his value as a playmaker.
Joining Brunson in the scoring effort was Karl-Anthony Towns, who notched 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in his playoff debut with the Knicks. OG Anunoby also contributed significantly, adding 23 points and seven rebounds to the mix. The Knicks’ depth was on display, with Cameron Payne stepping up with 14 points off the bench, including a crucial three-pointer during the fourth-quarter run.
The Pistons had a strong start to the game, entering the fourth quarter with a 91-83 lead, largely due to their impressive three-point shooting. They shot 13-of-24 from beyond the arc in the first three quarters, with Tobias Harris leading the way for Detroit with 25 points. However, the young Pistons team struggled to maintain their composure in the fourth quarter, committing eight turnovers that proved detrimental to their chances.
Detroit's head coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the learning experience for his team, stating, "It’s a great opportunity for us to learn. They did what they were supposed to do in Game 1. Now we’ve got tape, we’ve got some experience. We can go back, break it down and be better in Game 2." The Pistons had previously excelled in late-game situations, having won 40 of their last 41 games when leading by more than five points in the fourth quarter.
Despite their struggles, the Pistons had moments of brilliance, particularly in the third quarter when they scored 36 points on 22 possessions. However, they were unable to carry that momentum into the final frame, as the Knicks tightened their defense and capitalized on Detroit's mistakes. The Pistons finished the game with a total of 21 turnovers, a stark contrast to their regular-season performance.
Brunson’s performance in Game 1 was historic, marking his 12th career playoff game scoring 30 points or more, tying him for second-most in Knicks franchise history alongside the legendary Willis Reed. This accomplishment adds to his growing legacy as a playoff performer, and he has now scored at least 30 points in 12 of his last 19 playoff games.
The Knicks' defense also stepped up when it mattered most. Towns, who had a shaky start, made crucial defensive plays in the fourth quarter, recording four steals and two blocks. His ability to disrupt the Pistons' offense proved vital in limiting their scoring opportunities.
As the series continues, the Knicks will look to build on their momentum in Game 2, scheduled for April 21, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. Brunson, who has proven to be a key player for New York, is eager to maintain the team's confidence and push for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
In the aftermath of the game, Brunson expressed his determination, saying, "We were not going to just lay down and not fight. We were going to figure out ways to keep battling. It turned rather quickly." His leadership and performance will be crucial as the Knicks aim to advance deeper into the playoffs.
The Knicks have now improved to 10-3 at Madison Square Garden over their last three postseason appearances, establishing their home court as a fortress. Fans will be looking for another strong showing in Game 2 as the Knicks strive to take a commanding lead in the series against the Pistons.
