Knicks vs. Pistons: The 6 keys that could decide the series

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News on Apr 18, 2025

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NEW YORK — The blueprint is there. The margin for error isn’t.

The Knicks enter their first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons as the deeper, more experienced and more talented team on paper. But paper doesn’t win playoff games — execution does. And if New York wants to avoid an early exit, they’ll need to do more than rely on Jalen Brunson’s individual brilliance.

They’ll need to match Detroit’s edge, avoid self-inflicted wounds, and make the right adjustments to counter a scrappy opponent with nothing to lose.

Here are six keys to surviving the Pistons — and proving this Knicks team is built for more than just the first round.

Keep KAT out of foul trouble

Karl-Anthony Towns tied for the league lead in fouls per game (3.5), and the Pistons will look to exploit it. Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart don’t just crash the glass — they seek contact.

Expect Detroit to test Towns’ discipline early and often. He kept his fouls to a minimum in the Western Conference finals last season but has several playoff series averaging four or more fouls.

The Knicks need Towns to stay on the floor.

The All-Star big man’s unique blend of spacing, shot creation and playmaking is central to their offensive identity. In his first season in New York, Towns averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 52.6% from the field and 42% from 3.

That level of production can swing a series — but only if he stays out of foul trouble.

Believe the Pistons will try to force the issue.

Find the shooters

The Pistons don’t just stretch the floor — they light it up.

Malik Beasley was two made 3s shy of claiming the league’s 3-point crown, and he’s torched the Knicks with six and eight 3s in two of their last four meetings. It’s a problem the Knicks can’t afford to let recur in the first round. Between Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. — who knows his way around the Madison Square Garden’s hardwood floors — and Tobias Harris, the Pistons will have floor-spacers out at all times. Not to mention Cade Cunningham shot 52% from deep through four games against the Knicks this season.

The Knicks ranked fifth-worst in opponent 3-point percentage despite giving up the fifth-fewest attempts. That’s not a math problem. It’s a discipline issue. And in the playoffs, that kind of slippage loses games.

Be strong on screens

Duren and Stewart set violent screens. If the Knicks can’t absorb the contact, Cunningham will feast. He only needs a sliver of daylight. The margin for error in playoff basketball shrinks — especially when you’re going under late or soft on screens.

Reduce Brunson’s load

Detroit’s game plan will be to wear Brunson down — full-court pressure, physical switches and fresh bodies.

The best counter? Don’t make him bring the ball up every time.

Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Miles McBride can help initiate offense and preserve Brunson’s legs for what matters most: late-game shotmaking.

Use the secret weapon

The Pistons haven’t faced Mitchell Robinson all season. They’re about to meet him for the first time — and possibly see the dual-big lineup the Knicks envisioned all along: Towns at the four, Robinson at the five.

In limited minutes, that frontcourt pairing has produced a +9.2 net rating, with a 128 offensive rating. It’s another look New York can throw at Detroit — one they haven’t scouted and might not be ready to handle. The Knicks have a size advantage. It’s time to use it.

Lean on the bench

Oddly enough, the bench may be in better rhythm than the starters. Robinson is healthy and disruptive again. McBride looks explosive after a groin injury. Landry Shamet’s past heating up. He’s hot walking into the playoffs. Cam Payne is one good quarter away from flipping a game. Precious Achiuwa brings versatility, Delon Wright brings defense, and P.J. Tucker brings a ring.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has more playoff-ready depth than he’s had in years. Will he trust it?

He says the rotation isn’t hard to manage. That remains to be seen. But if the Knicks are going to win this series and make a deep run, it won’t be on the backs of just seven players.