NEW YORK — In a thrilling encounter at Madison Square Garden, the Detroit Pistons ended their NBA-record 15-game playoff losing streak with a hard-fought 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their first-round series. This win marked the Pistons' first playoff victory since May 26, 2008, when they defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.
The series is now tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 3 on Thursday night in Detroit. The Knicks, who had stolen Game 1, were unable to replicate that success, as they struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Pistons squad.
Cade Cunningham emerged as the star of the night, leading the Pistons with 33 points and 12 rebounds. His performance was instrumental in helping the Pistons regain their composure after nearly squandering a significant lead. “It’s a great feeling,” Cunningham said. “It feels good to represent the city like we did tonight. It’s something that the city has been waiting on for a long time, so we feel good about it and we’re ready to get back to the crib and perform in front of them.”
Despite a valiant effort from Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who scored a game-high 37 points, the team fell short. Brunson, however, was not without his struggles, committing six turnovers in a performance that left fans wanting more. “It’s very tough when there’s definitely one ball,” Brunson admitted. “I have to make sure I set the table. I’ll go back and I’ll figure out what I need to do... We’ll come back better for Game 3.”
The game began with the Pistons asserting their dominance, quickly building a double-digit lead. They led by as much as 15 points midway through the third quarter, but the Knicks, known for their resilience, fought back. A late surge led by Brunson and Mikal Bridges, who finished with 19 points, brought the Knicks within striking distance. However, the Pistons held firm, with Dennis Schröder hitting a crucial three-pointer with just 56.2 seconds left to give Detroit a 97-94 lead.
“We found a way to maintain our poise and collect ourselves in a really similar situation,” Cunningham reflected on the game. “We responded really well. I thought it was a great opportunity for us to respond and have a better outcome.”
The Knicks had their chances in the final moments, with Brunson and Bridges both missing potential game-tying shots. The Pistons capitalized on the Knicks' mistakes, ultimately sealing the victory with free throws by Jalen Duren. The final free throw tally reflected a significant disparity, with the Pistons attempting 34 compared to the Knicks' 19. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed frustration over the officiating, highlighting the need for consistency. “Huge discrepancy in free throws,” he stated. “I don’t understand how, on one side, there are direct line drives with contact that just aren’t being called.”
The Knicks struggled with turnovers, committing 14 throughout the game, and were out-rebounded 48-34, a statistic that Thibodeau emphasized needed to improve. “Rebounding, we control that. That’s your effort. If you’re not shooting well, do other things to help us win,” he said.
As the series shifts to Detroit, both teams will look to make adjustments. The Pistons will aim to maintain their momentum, while the Knicks will seek to regain their form and take back home-court advantage. The upcoming Game 3 promises to be a crucial encounter, with both teams aware of the stakes involved. “It’s the playoffs. The series is 1-1,” said Knicks forward Josh Hart. “We’ve got to focus on that.”
With both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses, fans can expect an intense showdown on Thursday night. The Pistons will look to build on their newfound confidence, while the Knicks will strive to rebound from their disappointing performance and reclaim their position in the series.
