Pistons Snap 15-Game Postseason Losing Streak with Thrilling 100-94 Win over Knicks
In a nail-biting encounter at Madison Square Garden, the Detroit Pistons held their nerve to secure a 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks, evening the series at 1-1. This hard-fought win brings an end to the franchise’s 15-game postseason losing streak, which dated back to 2008.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Pistons were led by Cade Cunningham, who scored 33 points, including 20 in the first half, to guide his team to a crucial win. Despite a lacklustre shooting performance from beyond the arc, where they converted just 6-of-27 attempts, the Pistons managed to keep their composure and secure the win.
The game was not without its challenges, as the Pistons were without big man Isaiah Stewart due to right knee inflammation. Stewart, who played through the same injury in Game 1, was ruled out just hours before tip-off. As Yahoo Sports reported, coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the importance of Stewart’s contribution, stating, "I think we all felt it… He was phenomenal last night. His effort, how he protected the rim, the energy that he brought, how his teammates fed off of his injury was huge."
The Pistons took a six-point lead into the locker room at halftime, courtesy of Cunningham’s impressive first half. They extended their lead in the third quarter, opening with a 13-4 run, which was spearheaded by Cunningham. However, the Knicks refused to give up, mounting a 16-4 comeback in the fourth quarter to bring the deficit down to just eight points.
In the end, it was the Pistons who held their nerve, with Dennis Schröder connecting from 25 feet to provide some breathing room. The Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges missed multiple attempts from behind the arc in the final minute that could have tied the game. The Pistons sealed the win with three free throws in the final 10 seconds, securing their first postseason win in over 15 years.
As noted by Yahoo Sports, Cunningham also contributed 12 rebounds and three assists in the win, while Schröder added 20 points off the bench. Tobias Harris chipped in with 15 points and 13 rebounds, as the Pistons out-rebounded the Knicks 48-34.
The series now shifts to Detroit, where the Pistons will look to build on this momentum in Game 3. A win would put them in a strong position to take the series, while a Knicks victory would see them take a stranglehold on the series. As Yahoo Sports reported, Brunson led the Knicks with 37 points and seven assists, while Bridges added 19 points and five rebounds.
The stage is set for an exciting Game 3, as the Pistons look to build on their historic win and take control of the series. With the momentum now firmly in their favour, the Pistons will be confident of taking the series and progressing to the next round.
