The Detroit Pistons finally broke their long postseason drought with a thrilling 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2025. This win not only evened the series at 1-1 but also marked the Pistons' first playoff victory since 2008, ending a disheartening 15-game postseason losing streak.
Cade Cunningham was the standout performer for Detroit, scoring 33 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists. His dynamic play was pivotal in keeping the Pistons ahead throughout the game. Despite the Pistons' struggles from beyond the arc, shooting just 6-of-27 from three-point range, Cunningham's leadership shone through as he made critical plays when it mattered most.
The Pistons took a six-point lead into halftime, thanks in part to Cunningham's strong first-half performance, where he scored 20 points. The team managed to extend their lead early in the second half, going on a 13-4 run to open the third quarter, pushing their advantage to as much as 15 points at one point.
However, the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson's impressive 37 points and 7 assists, mounted a comeback. Brunson's scoring and playmaking kept New York within striking distance, and they even pulled within two points late in the game. The Knicks went on a 12-2 run that saw them cut the Pistons' lead to a mere 92-90, igniting the home crowd.
In a tense final minute, Dennis Schröder emerged as a hero for Detroit. After the Knicks tied the game at 94, Schröder hit a clutch 3-pointer with just seconds remaining, giving the Pistons a 97-94 lead. The Knicks had opportunities to tie the game again, but Mikal Bridges and Brunson both missed critical three-point attempts in the dying moments.
Tobias Harris also contributed significantly, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Jalen Duren added 12 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing the Pistons' depth. Despite missing Isaiah Stewart due to right knee inflammation, the Pistons out-rebounded the Knicks 48-34, a statistic that proved crucial in their victory.
After the game, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team's resilience. "We showed a lot of character tonight, especially after what happened in Game 1. The guys stepped up when it mattered," he said. The Pistons will look to carry this momentum into Game 3, scheduled for Thursday night in Detroit, where they will play at home for the first time in the playoffs since 2019.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the significance of the loss, stating, "We had our chances, but we need to respond better in Game 3. We can't let this slip away. The series is wide open now." The stakes are high as the Knicks aim to avoid falling behind 2-1, a position that historically has proven difficult to overcome in the NBA playoffs.
Detroit's victory has reignited hope among Pistons fans, who have long awaited a return to playoff success. The franchise's last playoff win came on May 26, 2008, and this latest triumph signals a potential turning point for a team that has struggled in recent years.
As the series shifts back to Detroit, anticipation is building for Game 3. The Pistons will be eager to capitalize on their home-court advantage, while the Knicks must regroup and find a way to bounce back. With both teams displaying moments of brilliance, the upcoming matchup promises to be an exciting chapter in this playoff series.
In conclusion, the Pistons' 100-94 win over the Knicks not only evens the series but also serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit that defines playoff basketball. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere in Detroit as both teams prepare to battle for supremacy in this closely contested series.
