The Detroit Pistons picked up a 100-94 win over the New York Knicks to officially mark their first Playoff win since they beat the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals. This win ties their first-round matchup at 1-1, with the series now heading to Detroit for Games 3 and 4.
Cade Cunningham proved he’s a superstar with 33 points (11-21 FG) and 12 rebounds in tonight’s win, leading the team admirably. The veterans were perfect around Cade, as Dennis Schroder came off the bench for 20 points (6-10 FG) while Tobias Harris put up 15 points (6-11 FG) and 13 rebounds. Third-year center Jalen Duren held his own with 12 points (3-4 FG), 13 rebounds, and two blocks.
Fans are ecstatic after watching the Pistons enjoy a Playoff victory, just one season removed from them having the longest losing streak in NBA history.
“From losing 28-straight to getting huge playoff wins on the road at MSG, all within a year. Pistons’ best story in the sport,” said Justin Termine after this emotional win for Detroit.
“I kind of love that every time a Pistons team is good, part of their identity is they’re just gonna drag you into a mud pit and hit you with a 2×4 for 48 minutes,” said one fan about the Pistons’ winning intensity.
“The officials are dictating this Pistons/Knicks game and ALL of the calls are favoring the Knicks. This is insane,” said one fan who thought the referees were biased in New York’s favor.
“Jalen Brunson is actually a talented basketball player, but the way he acts and throws himself around is just so embarrassing,” said one fan angry about how Jalen Brunson draws fouls.
“Only 7 active players were in the league last time the Pistons won a playoff game,” pointed out one fan after this performance.
“What an awesome game. Big ups to Pistons for making the series super fun now. I bet their game 3 crowd is gonna be an all-timer,” said one fan excited about what Game 3 brings.
Their win over the Knicks tonight ended their 17-year Playoff win drought, which has seen only three Playoff appearances (all sweep losses).
New York just didn’t find the offensive production required to defeat a relentless Pistons squad tonight. Jalen Brunson showed up with 37 points (12-27 FG) and seven assists, but his co-stars were missing in action. Mikal Bridges fared better than most with 19 points, five rebounds, and three steals, but not enough for a win.
Three core starters managed 10 points apiece, as OG Anunoby (4-10 FG, 5 REB), Josh Hart (2-6 FG, 7 REB, 5 AST), and Karl-Anthony Towns (5-11 FG, 6 REB) all managed to have little-to-no-impact on the game. With only eight points being scored off the Knicks’ bench, all coming from Miles McBride, this was a rough night.
Both teams will be eyeing a Game 3 win, although the Pistons have momentum in their favor with two home games coming up with a chance to spring a potential upset.
