April 22, 2025
The Detroit Pistons ended their NBA-playoff record 15-game losing streak by grinding out a 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden.
Pistons Hold Off Knicks to Even Series
Led by Cade Cunningham’s 33 points and 12 rebounds, Detroit survived a tense fourth quarter after New York erased a late deficit.
Dennis Schroder buried a go-ahead three-pointer with 55 seconds left after a defensive miscommunication between Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
Detroit’s physical defense and dominance at the free-throw line (34 attempts to New York’s 19) proved decisive.
Knicks’ Late Rally Falls Short
Jalen Brunson scored 37 points to keep the Knicks close, but Karl-Anthony Towns struggled, finishing with just 10 points and attempting no shots in the final quarter.
Tom Thibodeau voiced his frustration after the game:
🗣️ Tom Thibodeau: “Huge discrepancy. Huge.”
The Knicks will need more from their supporting cast as the series shifts to Detroit.
What’s Next for Pistons and Knicks
The series is now tied 1-1.
Detroit will host its first playoff game since 2019 when Game 3 tips off at Little Caesars Arena later this week.
The Pistons’ gritty Game 2 performance offers fresh hope as they seek to pull off a first-round upset.
