The Detroit Pistons are facing a critical moment in their playoff journey as they take on the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their first-round series on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. After a heartbreaking loss in Game 1, the Pistons are looking to bounce back, but they will have to do so without their defensive anchor, Isaiah Stewart, who is sidelined due to right knee inflammation.
Stewart's absence looms large for the Pistons. The 23-year-old big man had already missed the final two games of the regular season due to the same knee issue, and his struggles were evident in Game 1, where he logged just 19 minutes, scoring only two points and committing five fouls. When Stewart exited the game early in the fourth quarter with the Pistons leading 98-92, the Knicks capitalized, launching a stunning 21-0 run that ultimately secured a 123-112 victory.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the impact of Stewart's injury after the game, stating, "there's a lot going on" with his condition. Stewart has been a crucial contributor throughout the season, averaging 6 points and 1.4 blocks in just under 20 minutes per game. His defensive presence will be sorely missed as the Pistons aim to avoid extending their NBA-record playoff losing streak to 18 games.
Game 1 showcased the Pistons' potential, as they held a solid lead until the fourth quarter, but their inability to finish left them questioning their resilience in high-pressure situations. Jalen Brunson of the Knicks led all scorers with 34 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each contributed 23 points. Tobias Harris was the Pistons' leading scorer with 25 points, and Cade Cunningham registered a double-double with 21 points and 12 assists. However, Cunningham struggled with his shooting, going 8-for-21 from the field, a stark contrast to his 30.8 points per game average against the Knicks this season.
As the Pistons prepare for Game 2, they are focused on maintaining their composure and executing their game plan without Stewart. Bickerstaff emphasized the need for the team to step up collectively, saying, "When he’s not on the floor for us, we all have to bring that. We have to find a way because we can’t just lean on him all the time or expect it to just be him." This sentiment resonates deeply as the young Pistons navigate their first playoff series since 2019, and the stakes are high.
The Pistons are determined to steal a game on the road, which would not only tie the series at 1-1 but also provide them with crucial momentum heading into Game 3 in Detroit. The players are aware of the historical implications; a loss would extend their playoff losing streak, tying them with the Minnesota Twins for the longest in history among major U.S. pro sports teams.
In Game 2, the Pistons will need significant contributions from their key players. So far, Dennis Schröder has been a bright spot off the bench, scoring 14 points and snapping a streak of 12 consecutive missed three-pointers with a timely shot. Cunningham is expected to play a more aggressive role, particularly in the absence of Stewart, and he has already shown signs of stepping up, leading all scorers with 31 points in the ongoing game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are looking to build on their Game 1 success. They have demonstrated their ability to capitalize on the Pistons' weaknesses, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Detroit by a staggering 40-21. With Brunson and Towns leading the charge, the Knicks are poised to take a commanding 2-0 series lead if they can maintain their momentum.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden is expected to be electric as both teams vie for an important victory. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT, with local audiences able to catch the action on the FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. Fans can also stream the game on platforms like Sling TV and HBO Max.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the Pistons are eager to prove that they can rise to the occasion despite the odds stacked against them. The absence of Stewart is a significant blow, but the team is ready to rally together and show their resilience. With the series on the line, will the Pistons find a way to overcome their challenges and secure a crucial win? Only time will tell as they take the court in this pivotal playoff matchup.
