Knicks Stun Pistons with Epic Fourth Quarter in Game 1

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks mounted a thrilling comeback to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-112 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series Saturday night.

Despite looking poised through three quarters and leading by eight, the Pistons faltered in the final period. The Knicks went on a staggering 21-0 run to pull away, sparked by their aggressive defense and timely scoring, marking their first playoff win in 17 years.

The fourth quarter quickly turned disastrous for Detroit, beginning with a five-second violation during an inbound play, followed by a shot clock violation on their next possession. Forward Tobias Harris described the pivotal moment: “I just thought the turnovers led to easy baskets for them.”

New York took advantage of those early mistakes as Jalen Brunson, who struggled initially with his shooting, found his rhythm down the stretch. Brunson finished the game with 34 points, including 12 in the decisive fourth quarter.

Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ star guard and 2021 first overall pick, recorded 21 points and 12 assists but faced challenges against New York’s defense. He shot just 8 for 21 from the field and committed six turnovers. “It was definitely a learning experience,” Cunningham said. “But also, I didn’t treat it like a different game. At the end of the day, it’s basketball.”

The Knicks appeared to be in trouble after a slow start, with Brunson leaving the court briefly in the third quarter after tweaking his right ankle. However, after changing his shoes, he quickly regained his footing and played a crucial role in the comeback.

“I think he grabbed his cape,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said with a smile regarding Brunson’s pivotal fourth-quarter performance.

Also contributing significantly was Cam Payne, who scored 11 of his 14 points during the final period. His quick scoring helped the Knicks capitalize on Detroit’s breakdowns. New York’s defense forced eight turnovers from the Pistons in the final quarter, leading to 11 points and restoring energy to a previously subdued Madison Square Garden crowd.

Looking ahead, both teams prepare for Game 2, scheduled for Monday night at Madison Square Garden. The Pistons, who have not secured a playoff victory since 2008, will look to bounce back and contain the surging Knicks.

“For the majority of it, we did a really good job staying composed out there,” Harris said. “It’s just one game of a series. Playoff basketball is about how you respond.”

The Knicks now hold a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series, showcasing their resilience and experience during critical moments.