NEW YORK — Cade Cunningham, embodying the spirit of team loyalty, celebrated more than just a personal milestone following the Detroit Pistons’ much-anticipated playoff triumph. His main focus was on the ardent Pistons fans who’ve endured nearly two decades without postseason victories. Now, Cunningham along with his fellow teammates are on a mission to offer these loyal supporters more than just a singular win — they aim to secure a full playoff series triumph.
In their decisive Game 2 match-up, Cunningham delivered an outstanding performance with 33 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Dennis Schroder, strengthened the team’s lead by sinking a crucial 3-pointer with just 55 seconds left on the clock. The Pistons managed to break their unfortunate NBA-record of 15 consecutive postseason losses by defeating the New York Knicks, 100-94.
“It’s a great feeling. It feels good to represent the city like we did tonight,” Cunningham reflected post-game. He expressed joy in performing for a city that has awaited this moment for a long time, and now looks forward to showcasing another strong performance at their home venue.
The Pistons, absent from the playoffs since 2019, managed to regain their footing after initially watching the Knicks erase a 15-point lead. Monday’s victory marked their first playoff success since the 2008 Eastern Conference finals during Game 4 against Boston. Previously, Detroit suffered consecutive game sweeps in 2009, 2016, and 2019, followed by a loss in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.
Now, reinvigorated, the Pistons find themselves on an even playing field within the series and anticipate hosting Game 3 later this week.
Schroder emerged as a pivotal player, non-existent in the Pistons’ roster until a February trade, clinching the pivotal 3-pointer post a Knicks 16-4 surge that leveled the score at 94 with Josh Hart’s dunk. Schroder concluded the game with an impressive 20 points from the bench.
Detroit’s stellar seasonal turnaround was remarkable, finishing 44-38 after enduring a meager 14-win season in 2023-24 marred by a historic 28-game losing streak.
During Game 1, the Pistons had an advantageous eight-point lead post three quarters, which then faltered following a 21-0 Knicks onslaught in the final segment leading to a 123-112 defeat. This time around, they secured another eight-point headway, maintaining resilience when the Knicks rallied once more.
“We got bigger things we’re out here for,” stated coach J.B. Bickerstaff, praising his players’ ability to stay focused and consistent by living in the moment. He acknowledged the team’s exemplary execution during the game which aligned with their immediate goals.
Jalen Brunson shone for the third-seeded Knicks, amassing 37 points. Contrastingly, teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby fell short, both scoring 10 compared to their 23 points each from the earlier game.
Brunson acknowledged the next step, asserting, “And now it’s on us to respond.”
Cunningham returned to form impressively, despite previously shooting just 8 for 21 during Game 1. The Knicks faced challenges in containing his assertive drives and fouling him, allowing the Pistons to shoot 14 free throws to the Knicks’ mere two while securing a 55-49 halftime lead.