For this recovery, we feel that the Knicks have scores to settle with the Pistons, after the two slaps received in Detroit earlier in the season. Quickly, New York goes 9-2 and JB Bickerstaff’s players cannot find the path to the basket. Then Cade Cunningham forces things and continues the points to bring Detroit into the game. It works because a few minutes later, it is the Eastern leaders who are in front (26-28).
The All-Star may well be pushed around by the defense of Mike Brown’s troops and the energy of Jose Alvarado may well be useful, the Knicks cannot equalize or get ahead. There’s always a bit of skill missing. Cade Cunningham hits several times in a row from mid-distance and the Pistons finish the first period well (48-58).
Very discreet in the first half, Karl-Anthony Towns finally shows up at the start of the third quarter. Much more aggressive, it allows New York to punch.
But with some questionable choices, he gives ammunition to the Pistons and Duncan Robinson, who hurts twice in a row at 3-points. And when Jalen Brunson also begins to participate in the party, Cade Cunningham reminds us that he is the boss of the evening at Madison Square Garden, notably with a left hand dunk (79-90).
The Pistons substitutes ensure the start of the last quarter to avoid an opposing comeback before Cade Cunningham puts the final point on his jewel. The Detroit boss and his teammates won 111-126 in New York and won a fourth game in a row, and especially a third authoritarian against the Knicks.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Cade Cunningham en mode MVP. Jalen Duren still suspended, the playmaker takes charge and he doesn’t do it by halves. He took 34 shots, but finishing with 42 points at 50% shooting success including 5/11 at 3-pts, plus 13 assists, how can you blame him for his choices? The Knicks defense was never able to limit him. It was he who dictated the tempo, at his own pace, and with his always calm attitude. The two-time All-Star had a boss game. A great match, simply.
– The Knicks still can’t do it… After two slaps in Detroit, Mike Brown was waiting for a response from his players for this reception from the Pistons. She existed for a while, longer than the first two encounters. But that’s not enough. With a weak 8/35 at 3-pts, a Karl-Anthony Towns on alternating current and not enough regular efforts, the 2025 conference finalists cannot find the solutions. Commentator of the meeting for Amazon Prime, Stan Van Gundy wondered if the Knicks were tough enough to face this Detroit team. With three deserved defeats in three matches, we have the answer, at least for the regular season…
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
