Pistons Rally to Tie Series Against Knicks in Thrilling Game 2

New York, NY – The Detroit Pistons bounced back in Game 2, defeating the New York Knicks 100-94 at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2025, evening the playoff series at 1-1.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 33 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing exceptional performance under pressure. Detroit overcame a late-game scare, having previously lost a significant lead in Game 1, which the Knicks won by a dominant fourth-quarter performance.

The Pistons entered the fourth quarter with a solid grip on the game, leading by seven points. However, they had to fend off a determined Knicks squad that fought hard to regain momentum. The game saw several lead changes late in the fourth quarter, with New York tying the score at 94 before the Pistons pulled ahead for good.

“We knew we needed to make a statement after what happened in Game 1,” Cunningham said. “We kept our heads down and played hard to make sure we didn’t go down 0-2.”

Detroit shot 44.6% from the field and maintained a slight edge over the Knicks in rebounding, grabbing 48 boards compared to New York’s 34. The Pistons were also effective at the free-throw line, converting 10-of-12 attempts.

In stark contrast, the Knicks struggled offensively, shooting 42% from the field. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 37 points, but the rest of the lineup failed to find consistent scoring as they attempted to recover from the early Pistons lead.

“We fought hard, and the run we made in the fourth just didn’t go our way,” Brunson said. “We know we can win, and we will make adjustments before our next game.”

The matchup featured a notable absence for the Pistons, with Isaiah Stewart sidelined due to knee inflammation. Stewart missed the last two regular-season games and remains uncertain for future matchups. His absence was felt, particularly in the front court, as the team now turns its attention to Game 3.

Detroit’s victory sets the stage for a critical Game 3, which will be held on April 24 at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons now aim to carry the momentum gained from this victory while the Knicks will be looking to rebound and regain their footing in the series.

“We see this as a turning point,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “Now we just need to build on this. Every game is crucial in the playoffs.”

The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, with 19,812 fans in attendance witnessing the back-and-forth action. As the playoffs continue, both teams will look to leverage their performances for the upcoming games.