New York — An Unfinished Story
The game script unfolded for nearly 40 minutes as the Detroit Pistons aimed for victory in their playoff opener against the New York Knicks.
However, the Knicks’ strategy to press Cade Cunningham made it challenging for him to find open spaces to attack their defense. The Pistons adapted, effectively moving the ball and sinking numerous open three-point shots.
The Pistons’ defense was particularly successful against Jalen Brunson, holding him to a 4-for-15 shooting record in the first half. In the third quarter, the Pistons outscored the Knicks 36-26, seizing control of the game.
Leading by 98-90 with less than ten minutes left in the final quarter, the Knicks shifted momentum dramatically. They launched a 21-0 run, holding the Pistons scoreless until the 4:35 mark. This rapid change transformed an eight-point advantage into a significant 111-98 deficit, one from which the Pistons could not recover.
Ultimately, the Knicks claimed Game 1 of the playoff series, winning 123-112. Throughout the game, the Pistons demonstrated their ability to compete despite their relative inexperience in the postseason, relying on the same strategies that earned them a 3-1 regular-season series win over the Knicks.
The lessons learned from this matchup will be crucial as the Pistons look to improve during their training leading up to the next game.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff commented: ‘We were the better team for three quarters, I thought. These are learning lessons for us, and we have to be honest with ourselves about that. We talked pregame about what experience is, and this is experience. You come back the next game and how quickly do you learn from it?’
The Knicks struggled to match the Pistons’ intensity for the majority of the game. The Pistons’ veterans, including Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr., took advantage of the defensive focus on Cunningham, collectively accounting for 41 of the Pistons’ 55 first-half points and nailing all nine of their three-point attempts in the first half.
Cunningham, while facing tough defense, still managed to record six assists, helping the Pistons maintain a 47.6% shooting percentage in the first half. ‘They sent bodies at me more than anything,’ Cunningham said about the Knicks’ defense. ‘They made sure that every time I came off, they were checking me. For three and a half quarters, we were comfortable, getting the shots we wanted. We just have to close out the game.’
Looking Ahead
The Pistons had their best performance in the third quarter, shooting 63.6% and taking a ten-point lead late in the period. But as the fourth quarter unfolded, Knicks players Brunson and Cam Payne found their offensive rhythm, particularly with Isaiah Stewart sidelined due to an injury.
This resulted in a notable gap in scoring, as the Pistons shot only 31.8% in the final period. They were outscored 40-21, demonstrating the challenges of closing out a playoff game.
‘The turnovers led to easy baskets for them,’ Harris noted. ‘When we maintain our composure, we do well, but we got too loose in those last moments.’
The Pistons now face a critical decision as they prepare for Game 2 on Monday at 7:30 p.m. With Stewart’s status in doubt, the team must rally and refine their approach as they seek to extend their playoff run. ‘It’s a series,’ Harris emphasized. ‘You can’t get too high or too low. Each team will make adjustments, and it’s about staying mentally locked in for the next game.’
As the Pistons look to bounce back, their ability to learn from this experience will be vital in their playoff journey.
