NBA World Reacts to Pistons Breaking Longest Active Playoff Losing Run in American Sports

It's been a long time coming for Detroit.

Detroit Pistons guard Cunningham brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons' Game 2 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden Monday night didn't just even their first-round series—it gave the Pistons the team's first playoff victory in 17 years.

Detroit fell in Game 1 after they gave up a 21-0 fourth-quarter run to New York, who won the game 123-112. The heartbreaking loss brought the Pistons' NBA-record playoff losing streak to 15 games, which was also the longest active streak in any of the four major American professional sports according to Yahoo Sports.

Just one game later, the Pistons snapped the dreaded playoff losing streak and gave the franchise its first postseason win since 2008. And the NBA world loved it:

Could not be more impressed with Detroit. Had NYK offense out of rhythm damn near the whole game. Hard to win in 2025 shooting 6/27 on 3s and they did it. Tough, physical team. Cade is ready for all of this.

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) April 22, 2025

I was finishing up 8th grade the last time the Pistons won a playoff game. I'm 30.

— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) April 22, 2025

Deeeeeeetroittttt Basssskeeetballllllll!!!! https://t.co/39dnJEIpwH

— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) April 22, 2025

The Pistons win their first playoff game since 2008, ending the longest playoff losing streak in NBA history (15 games).

They take home court advantage and the LCA is going to be rocking.

I wish so much that @WorldofIsaac was here to see it.

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) April 22, 2025

The last time the Pistons won a playoff game: pic.twitter.com/fjIcChbFV9

— Keith Black Trudeau (@Charlottean28) April 22, 2025

Tonight’s 100-94 victory over New York was Detroit’s first playoff victory since May 26, 2008, snapping a playoff drought of 16 years, 10 months and 26 days. pic.twitter.com/Xt96UDuReb

— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) April 22, 2025

What an awesome game. Big ups to Pistons for makin series super fun now. I bet their game 3 crowd gonna be an all-timer.

— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) April 22, 2025

Even former Piston Andre Drummond showed love:

Wow!
Amazing feeling watching this game . But the work isn’t done yet #DetroitBasketball

— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) April 22, 2025

Current Piston and Sixth Man of the Year candidate Malik Beasley took to social media to show how hyped he was, too:

1-1 . Home court advantage now., 313 let’s go 🔥

— Malik Beasley (@mbeasy5) April 22, 2025

Now, the series heads to Detroit even at 1-1 as the Pistons get their first playoff win in almost two decades. Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham led the way with 33 points and 12 rebounds in Detroit's 100-94 win Monday night. The Pistons and Knicks will battle for the series lead in Game 3 Thursday at Little Caesars Arena, with tip off slated for 7 p.m. ET.

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