Pistons Beat Knicks in Possible Playoff Preview

Even with certain stars sitting out, a potential playoff preview between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons lived up to its hype—at least from a Motor City perspective.

Detroit downed the shorthanded Knicks by a 115-106 final on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena, which secured a victory in the four-game season series between the possible postseason foes. Cade Cunningham scored 36 points in the comeback win while Jalen Duren had an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double while shooting a perfect 9-of-9 from the field.

Knicks Pistons — Apr 10, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) controls the ball next to New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images

Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 10 rebounds in defeat while Jalen Brunson had 15 on 5-of-14 from the field with five assists while shaking off a brief flare-up of the ankle injury that kept him out for just about a month. Precious Achiuwa had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while stepping into the starting five along with Miles McBride, who was 2-of-10 from three-point range.

Knicks fans watching at home no doubt enjoyed a 27-minute outing for PJ Tucker, who pulled in six rebounds during his first extended action as a New Yorker.

The Knicks (50-30) were missing regular men OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson, all of whom sat with minor injuries. With the loss, as well as Indiana's win over a resting Cleveland group, New York missed out on another opportunity to secure the third slot on the Eastern Conference playoff bracket.

Detroit had its fun against the Knicks' backups, coming back from an 13-point deficit through its trademark physicality that led to a 66-46 advantage in paint points. The Knicks kept pace with that in the early going with spirited antics from Achiuwa and Tucker, who were more than happy to match Detroit's chippy nature.

To the delight of their playoff-starved crowd, the Pistons (44-36) finally took control with a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter. Most of the damage was done in the interior and the Pistons put perhaps a spiteful cherry on top with an alley-oop from Cunningham to Duren when the game was very well in hand.

The Knicks will play their final home of the regular season on Friday when the top-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers visit (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).

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