NEW YORK (AP) — In a thrilling playoff opener, the New York Knicks rallied from a late deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-112 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks showcased their resilience with a stunning 21-0 run in the final quarter, leaving the Pistons stunned and their fans roaring in excitement.
Jalen Brunson was the star of the night, finishing with 34 points, including a pivotal performance in the fourth quarter that turned the tide for New York. "Obviously, we didn’t end the third quarter the way we wanted to, but there was never a doubt that we were not going to just lay down and not fight," Brunson said. His determination shone through, especially after he struggled with his shooting early in the game.
Cam Payne also stepped up, contributing 14 points off the bench, with 11 of those coming in the crucial fourth quarter. The Knicks found themselves trailing 98-90 with just over nine minutes remaining, but Payne initiated the comeback with a three-point play, followed by key baskets from Brunson and himself that ignited the crowd.
"I been kind of waiting on that all year," Payne said about his performance. "I've been waiting on this game, how I played today, all year." His timely scoring helped the Knicks regain control after a shaky third quarter where they were outscored 36-26.
Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby also made significant contributions, each scoring 23 points. Towns added 11 rebounds to his tally, showcasing his all-around game. The Knicks shot an impressive 52.7 percent from the field, demonstrating their offensive prowess throughout the match.
The Pistons, playing in their first playoff game since 2019, had a strong start and held a 98-90 lead before the Knicks' explosive run. Tobias Harris led Detroit with 25 points, but he struggled in the second half, scoring just three points after a strong first half. Cade Cunningham, the Pistons' star, finished with 21 points and 12 assists but had a challenging night, shooting just 8-for-21 from the field.
The game began with the Pistons controlling the pace, as veteran players like Harris and Malik Beasley hit crucial shots to keep Detroit competitive. Harris scored 22 points in the first half, helping the Pistons stay in the game when Cunningham was struggling. However, the fourth quarter proved to be a different story as Detroit faltered under pressure, committing eight turnovers in the final period alone.
"Turnovers have been Detroit’s Achilles heel all season, and the issue showed up in a big way in the fourth against the Knicks," noted analysts. The Pistons ended the game with a total of 21 turnovers, which ultimately cost them the win.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team's defensive effort, saying, "I thought our defense got us going. We got some stops, got into the open floor." The Knicks' ability to capitalize on Detroit's mistakes was key to their comeback victory.
While the Knicks celebrated their victory, the Pistons were left to regroup for Game 2, which will take place on Monday night at 7:30 PM (TNT) back at Madison Square Garden. Harris reflected on the loss, stating, "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." The Pistons will need to learn from this experience as they look to bounce back in the series.
The Knicks' victory not only marked a significant moment in their playoff journey but also served as a reminder of their potential as a team. With Brunson leading the charge and a supporting cast stepping up when it mattered most, the Knicks are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. However, they must remain vigilant as the Pistons will surely come back stronger in Game 2.
In summary, the Knicks' impressive fourth-quarter performance was the highlight of the night, showcasing their resilience and determination. As the series progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments as both teams vie for a chance at playoff glory.
