Pistons Aim to End 14-Game Playoff Skid Against Knicks

NEW YORK — The Detroit Pistons entered Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, looking to break a historic 14-game postseason losing streak as they faced the third-seeded New York Knicks in Game 1 of their first-round series.

This playoff matchup marks the Pistons’ return to the postseason for the first time since 2019 after a dismal 14-68 record last year. Under new coaching logic and with several strategic player acquisitions, the team transformed into an Eastern Conference No. 6 seed with a remarkable 44-38 record this season.

Pistons guard-forward Tim Hardaway Jr., originally drafted by the Knicks in 2013, had yet to play in a playoff game at Madison Square Garden. “We’ve been playing basketball our whole lives, basically,” Hardaway stated prior to the game. “Just go out there, have fun, enjoy the moment and stick to what the coaching staff has been implementing all season.”

The Pistons lineup is rich with New York ties. Other notable players include Tobias Harris, who grew up in Islip, N.Y., and backup center Isaiah Stewart, a Rochester native. Each of these key players contributes to Detroit’s physical play style, which helped the team rise from the league’s depths last season.

Cade Cunningham, an All-Star and standout point guard, averaged 26 points and nine assists this season, establishing himself as a force against the Knicks. Notably, Cunningham performed well in regular-season encounters, averaging 31 points per game over four matchups this season.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau recognized the challenge of facing a reformed Pistons team. “They’ve had a fantastic season. We just played them recently, so I think we have a feel for what their strengths are, but we have to dig a lot deeper,” he said.

For the Knicks, who finished the regular season 51-31, their playoff experience remains invaluable. After reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals in the previous two years, they are expected to capitalize on their success. All-Star Jalen Brunson aims to continue his playoff dominance after averaging over 32 points per game last postseason.

Detroit’s previous postseason success dates back to 2008, when they defeated the Boston Celtics, but the following years have returned a string of playoff disappointments. “I know these guys want it and are always eager to learn and listen,” Harris said. “We put all that to play every single day.”

As the game commenced, the Pistons faced the Knicks, who had not lost to Detroit since November 2019. New York was heavily favored, but the Pistons aimed to demonstrate they are no longer the pushovers from last season.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Hardaway remains optimistic. “It’s a new season now,” he remarked. “We worked our tails off to get to this situation.”