Pistons win first playoff game in 17 years; series vs. Knicks tied 1-1

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Apr 21, 2025

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NEW YORK — The Detroit Pistons were faced with a significant dilemma two hours before tip-off for their Game 2 contest against the New York Knicks. Due to inflammation in his right knee, Isaiah Stewart was ruled out, leaving coach J.B. Bickerstaff with two options to fill the vacancy.

The first option was to explore his bench further. The other possibility was to trust that his adjustments and teachings from Sunday's film study could lead to improved performances from his players. Bickerstaff relied upon both options, which led to a 100-94 win.

The Pistons recorded their first playoff victory since May 26, 2008. Detroit's first-round series against the Knicks is now tied at 1-1.

Despite putting together a 21-point double-double, Cade Cunningham realized that his debut in the playoffs on Saturday was not his best. The mediocre performance motivated him to learn from his mistakes in hopes of having a better outcome Monday night.

After missing three of his first five shot attempts, Cunningham caught fire and resembled the player who averaged 30.8 points per game against the Knicks during the regular season. He scored 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting in the first half, leading the Pistons to a 55-49 lead by intermission.

At the 6:18 mark of the third quarter, Cunningham had arguably his best highlight of the game. After receiving the ball following a turnover by the Knicks, Cunningham converted a one-handed dunk in transition after he completed a behind-the-back crossover on Mikal Bridges. His basket gave the Pistons a 13-point advantage (66-53), marking Detroit's largest lead of the night to that point.

It was an All-NBA caliber performance for Cunningham, who recorded a playoff career-high of 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting, 10 of 12 from the foul line and 12 rebounds.

It would have been a one-man show if not for the production of Jalen Duren, who was able to have a more impactful game. He recorded his first postseason double-double of 13 rebounds, 12 points and three blocks. Tobias Harris followed up his 25-point play from the previous game with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Dennis Schröder led Detroit's bench unit with 20 points.

While Cunningham put on a show at Madison Square Garden, Jalen Brunson tried to keep pace with his All-Star peer by scoring 18 of his 37 points in the first half.

He scored 14 points during the fourth quarter, which led to the Knicks embarking on a fourth-quarter comeback attempt. OG Anunoby (10 points and five rebounds) nailed a pair of free throws to cut Detroit's lead down to four (90-86) with 4:27 left in the period. New York would go on to embark on a 12-2 run, cutting Detroit's lead to 92-90 with 2:15 left.

A few possessions later, Brunson connected with Josh Hard for an open dunk, tying the game at 94. However, Schröder broke the tight with a 3-point field goal.

Bridges added 19 points. After an impressive first quarter, Karl-Anthony Towns had a subpar night, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-11 shooting and four rebounds.

Observations and notes

— A subpar night for Paul Reed: In the absence of Stewart, Bickerstaff noted during his pre-game media availability that several players would get a chance to play, headlined by Paul Reed. After not receiving playing time in Game 1, Reed's number was called early in the first quarter, and he had a subpar night.

In his first three minutes, Reed missed a layup attempt and fumbled a pass from Cunningham. His biggest mistake came at the 6:36 mark of the second quarter when he overthrew an outlet pass to Dennis Schröder, which resulted in an easy transition basket for New York. He played 11 minutes while recording six points and two turnovers.

— Tim Hardaway Jr. struggles: After keeping the Pistons alfoat in Game 1, Tim Hardaway Jr. had a terrible night, shooting 0 for 8 from the field, 0 for 6 from behind the arc.

— Mr. 300: With this victory, Bickerstaff recorded his 300th career coaching win.

Up next

The Pistons will continue the best-of-seven series with Game 3 against the Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET.

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