- Detroit tied the series 1–1 after losing Game 1 in New York
- Pistons recorded first NBA playoff victory since the 2007/08 season
- Cade Cunningham led with 33 points and 12 rebounds in a bounce-back performance
Key Takeaways:
Detroit Pistons claimed a gritty 100–94 road win over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, levelling the series 1–1. The sixth-seeded Pistons controlled most of the contest at Madison Square Garden, showing poise and maturity beyond their years, even as they weathered a furious Knicks comeback in the final minutes. The victory marked Detroit’s first NBA playoff win since the 2007/08 season.
Cade Cunningham with 33 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL as the Pistons get the 100-94 WIN over the Knicks to TIE THE SERIES IN NY 🤫
DETROIT WIN THEIR FIRST POSTSEASON GAME SINCE 2008! pic.twitter.com/rrtVGJJLvk
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 22, 2025
After a balanced opening, Detroit took the lead at 15–16 and never looked back. J.B. Bickerstaff’s team won the first quarter 25–18, with Cade Cunningham’s personal 9-point burst helping the visitors carry a 55–49 advantage into half-time.
The Pistons built their largest lead at 68–53 midway through the third quarter with an 11–0 run. Though the Knicks managed to narrow the gap, the Pistons entered the final frame ahead 75–67. A quick surge saw Detroit extend its lead to 88–75, appearing to put the game beyond reach.
But New York, fuelled by its home crowd, went on a 19–6 run, capped by a Josh Hart dunk that tied the game at 94–94 with just over a minute remaining. However, Dennis Schroder silenced the Garden with a clutch three-pointer that gave Detroit the edge, and the Knicks had nothing left in the tank to mount another rally.
Cade Cunningham redeemed himself after a lacklustre Game 1, leading the Pistons with 33 points and 12 rebounds. He became only the 3rd Piston since 1985 to register at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff game, as Dennis Schroder contributed 20 points off the bench. For the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 37 points, but he was the only one to surpass the 20-point mark. Game 3 of the series is set for Friday, April 25 in Detroit.