In a potential East Finals preview, the Detroit Pistons made a statement against playoff tormentors New York Knicks, cruising to an emphatic 31-point victory.
Against elite competition, the Detroit Pistons made their case.
Cade Cunningham dictated the tempo and finished with 29 points as Detroit overpowered the Knicks, 121-90, in a high-level meeting of the Eastern Conference’s top two teams on Tuesday, January 6 (PH time).
Cunningham also added 13 assists, while Jaden Ivey, Javonte Green, and Dennis Jenkins combined for 45 of the Pistons’ 58 bench points.
Meeting for the first time since New York’s six-game opening-round playoff win last May, Detroit showcased a different, more complete team—potentially previewing an East Finals showdown—and improved their record to 27-9.
The Pistons led by as many as 29 points, held the Knicks to a season-low15 points in the third quarter, and converted 20 turnovers into 33 points.
On the other hand, Jalen Brunson led the way with 25 points, but it wasn’t enough as New York dropped its fourth-straight game and slid to 23-13.
Detroit hosts the Chicago Bulls (17-18) aiming for a third straight win, as New York tries to turn things around against the LA Clippers (12-22).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.