In the second game of their first-round series, the Pistons proved they learned from their mistakes in the first game.
NEW YORK — Before Game 2 of the Pistons’ first-round playoff series against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff talked about how young players need to experience playoff basketball to really understand it.
“You can show them videos and talk all you want, but they have to feel it,” Bickerstaff said. He compared it to parenting: “I tell my kids what not to do, but they don’t listen until they do it themselves and realize it was a bad idea.”
In Saturday’s Game 1, the Pistons made a lot of mistakes late in the game. But in Game 2, they had a chance to show they had learned. They held an eight-point lead going into the fourth quarter again, and once more, the Knicks made a run and fired up the crowd.
This time, though, there was no big collapse.
When the Knicks got within four points with under five minutes left, Cade Cunningham drove to the basket, drew a foul, and made both free throws. When New York tied the game late, Dennis Schroder calmly hit a big three-pointer. Detroit held on for a 100-94 win, tying the series 1-1 and taking home-court advantage as they head back to Detroit.
“Last game, when the fourth quarter came, we kind of fell apart,” said Pistons forward Paul Reed. “This time, we finished the job.”
Detroit played with focus and confidence. It was also their first playoff win in 17 years, breaking a 15-game losing streak.
“It feels great to make the city proud,” said Cade Cunningham. “People have been waiting a long time for this. We’re excited to go home and play in front of our fans.”
Cade Cunningham played a big role in helping the Pistons bounce back. In Game 1, he didn’t play poorly, but he wasn’t dominant either and made three turnovers in the fourth quarter. In Game 2, he came in with a clear plan. According to coach Bickerstaff, Cunningham “knew exactly what he wanted to do.” He scored 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting, grabbed 12 rebounds, and had three assists in 42 minutes.
Cunningham was aggressive, pushing the pace whenever possible. In set plays, he created mismatches and kept attacking the basket. He looked calm, confident, and in control.
“He was great,” said teammate Tobias Harris. “He attacked, moved quickly, made smart decisions, and just played an amazing game.”
In just his second playoff game, he delivered his first big playoff moment.
Reed said, “He did what I always expect—play hard, lead the team, create chances for others, and dominate the game.”
Before Game 2, Cade Cunningham focused on recovery and preparation. He said he got as much treatment as possible and watched videos to learn from their Game 1 mistakes. “At the end of the day, I trust our system and my teammates,” Cunningham said. “We knew we let that first game slip, so we just had to come out aggressive and play harder.”
The Pistons didn’t shoot well, making only 6 of 27 three-pointers. Guards Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for just 1 of 14. But they kept pressuring the Knicks, drawing 34 free throws and holding Karl-Anthony Towns to just 10 points with no free throws.
Coach Bickerstaff praised Tobias Harris for his strong defense on Towns, making it tough for him to score easily. “We didn’t let him get comfortable,” he said.
Though it wasn’t a big win, grinding out a victory in a tough road game meant a lot, especially after the loss two days earlier. “We wanted to send a message,” said Harris.
Despite being upset after Game 1, the Pistons stayed confident. “This is all part of learning,” said Bickerstaff. “We haven’t been in this situation before, so every challenge helps us grow.”
Bickerstaff, who led a 14-win team last year to 44 wins this season, called this group special because they care deeply about each other. When Isaiah Stewart got injured, Paul Reed stepped in after not playing in Game 1, showing how ready the team is. “This game showed how united and focused we are,” said Jalen Duren.
When asked about Detroit’s first playoff win since 2008, Bickerstaff said they’ll reflect later — for now, the focus is on the next games. Guard Ausar Thompson reacted with surprise: “Wow, broke a 15-game playoff losing streak.”
“We still need three more wins,” said Reed. “So we’re trying not to get too excited yet. But don’t let our calm faces fool you — we’re definitely happy.”
