Detroit Pistons Snap Historic Playoff Streak with Victory Over Knicks

Cade Cunningham led the charge for the Detroit Pistons, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while Dennis Schroder nailed a crucial tiebreaking 3-pointer with just 55 seconds remaining. On Monday night, the Pistons ended their NBA-record 15-game postseason losing streak by defeating the New York Knicks 100-94 in Game 2 of their playoff series.

Pistons Celebrate First Playoff Win Since 2008

This significant victory marks the Pistons’ first playoff win since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. Following that historic run, the franchise endured a prolonged drought, not appearing in the playoffs since 2019. They managed to recover from a 15-point deficit against the Knicks, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Thrilling Finish in a High-Stakes Game

Schroder’s clutch performance was particularly notable, as he was acquired by the Pistons in a February trade. His key 3-pointer came after the Knicks mounted a fierce 16-4 run to tie the game at 94, following a dunk by Josh Hart. Schroder ended the night with 20 points off the bench, an impressive contribution to the team’s success.

A Season of Remarkable Transformation

This season has been a remarkable turnaround for the Pistons, finishing with a 44-38 record after a dismal 14-win season in 2023-24 that included a staggering 28-game losing streak, the longest in NBA history. The resilience and improvement of the team throughout the season have been commendable.

Key Moments from Game 2

The Pistons found themselves in position to win Game 1, leading by eight points after three quarters. However, the Knicks came back with an impressive 21-0 run in the fourth quarter, sealing a 123-112 victory. In contrast, Detroit built an eight-point lead again in Game 2 after three quarters but managed to execute crucial plays down the stretch, securing the win despite another Knicks comeback.

Star Performers Excel in Competitive Matchup

Jalen Brunson, the standout for the Knicks, scored 37 points. However, Knicks players Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby struggled significantly, combining for only 10 points after contributing 23 points each in the series opener.

Cunningham’s Strong Comeback Performance

Cunningham bounced back from a lackluster Game 1, in which he shot just 8 for 21. In Game 2, his ability to penetrate the Knicks’ defense was evident. The Pistons capitalized on this, attempting 14 free throws compared to the Knicks’ two, allowing them to establish a 55-49 halftime lead. This disparity in free throw attempts reflects the Pistons’ aggressive offensive tactics.

Stifling Defense Shines for Detroit

Detroit’s defense played a crucial role, limiting the Knicks to just one field goal in the first seven-plus minutes of the third quarter. During this stretch, Cunningham collaborated effectively with Tobias Harris, each adding critical baskets to an 11-0 run. Paul Reed, stepping in for backup center Isaiah Stewart, who was out with right knee inflammation, capped the run with a basket that extended the Pistons’ lead to 68-53 with 5:02 left in the third period.

A Stepping Stone Towards Redemption

This victory not only serves as a morale boost for the team but also represents a potential turning point in the franchise’s recent history. The Pistons’ ability to secure a playoff win after such a long gap may signal the beginning of a promising era for Detroit basketball.

As their playoff journey continues, the Pistons will host Game 3 on Thursday night, now tied in the series. The pressure is on as they aim to ride the momentum of this exhilarating win and capitalize on their home-court advantage.

Reporting by The Associated Press.