Detroit — It had been seven days since the Detroit Pistons last celebrated a victory, a 117-105 win over the Toronto Raptors. That victory carried significant postseason implications, as it marked the Pistons’ clinching of a playoff berth for the first time since 2019.
The Pistons left Scotiabank Arena excited about that milestone. However, the victory in Toronto was followed by two straight losses.
BOX SCORE: Pistons 115, Knicks 106
On Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons ended that losing skid with a 115-106 win over the New York Knicks. The Pistons improved to 44-36 overall, keeping their hopes alive for earning the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Cade Cunningham ignited the Pistons’ second-half comeback against the Knicks. He scored 14 points during the third quarter to help Detroit overcome a 13-point deficit (78-65). The Pistons entered the final period tied at 85 after outscoring the Knicks 29-23.
Cunningham finished with a game-best 36 points on 16-of-24 shooting from the field and eight assists, showcasing why he was awarded his second feature on Slam magazine.
Jalen Duren added a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 10 points with two made triples.
A block by Ron Holland II on Miles McBride resulted in Malik Beasley (10 points) converting a fast-break dunk, tying the game at 91 with 9:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Holland’s rejection was the first of several key plays he made in the closing moments of the game, finishing the night with 13 points and five rebounds. His layup at the 4:50 mark gave the Pistons a 103-99 lead. Holland’s basket capped a 17-8 run that led to the Pistons taking control of the game.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Precious Achiuwa added 18 points and 10 rebounds.
For coach J.B. Bickerstaff, rebounding played a significant role in the team’s recent slippage. They had been outrebounded by 33 boards over the last two games. Early in the first quarter Thursday, it appeared the Pistons would be on their way to breaking free from their slump behind Duren’s fast start. He scored his first six points within the first three minutes and the Pistons led 13-8.
However, Mikal Bridges (17 points and seven assists) got the Knicks going with a 3-point field goal at the 8:19 mark of the first quarter. His basket helped New York find momentum that carried them throughout the half. The Knicks led by as many as 11 points in the first half, and the Pistons trailed 62-56 by halftime.
Observations and notes vs. Knicks
▶ Tobias Harris returns: After missing the last three games due to a heel injury, Tobias Harris made his return to the lineup. He played 27 minutes and finished with 15 points, with three 3-pointers.
▶ A better rebounding night: The Pistons fixed their rebounding woes against the Knicks, winning the battle 35-34.
▶ Season series end vs. Knicks: The Pistons and Knicks wrapped up their four-game regular-season series with Detroit winning 3-1.
Up next
The Pistons will play their final home game of the regular season on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. It will mark the first of a home-and-home series that will conclude Sunday afternoon at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off between the Bucks and Pistons at Little Caesars Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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