Pistons End 15-Game Playoff Losing Streak with Dramatic Win

NEW YORK — Cade Cunningham was not focused on his personal achievement after the first postseason victory of his career. Instead, he turned his attention to loyal Detroit Pistons fans who have supported the team through a 17-year drought since their last playoff win.

Cunningham scored 33 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, including a pivotal three-pointer with just 55 seconds left, as the Pistons overcame the New York Knicks 100-94 in Game 2 of their playoff series on Monday night.

“It’s a great feeling. It feels good to represent the city like we did tonight,” Cunningham said. “It’s something that the city has been waiting on for a long time, so we feel good about it and we’re ready to get back to the crib and perform in front of them.”

With this victory, the Pistons ended an NBA-record 15-game postseason losing streak and tied the series 1-1. The Pistons had not won a playoff game since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against Boston. After being eliminated in the first round in three subsequent appearances, they dropped Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.

In this game, Detroit weathered a challenging comeback attempt by the Knicks, who erased a 15-point deficit. Dennis Schroder contributed significantly with 20 points off the bench, hitting the critical three-pointer that followed a 16-4 run by the Knicks.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s focus. “We got bigger things we’re out here for,” he said. “Our guys have been able to grow and be consistent because they think about the now. I thought they did a great job tonight of staying in the moment and doing what we needed to do.”

Despite the loss, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 37 points, while teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges were limited to just 10 points each after their strong performances in Game 1.

The Pistons will look to take the series lead when they host Game 3 on Thursday night.