New York, NY. (WE) — The New York Knicks are on the verge of advancing to the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, but the Detroit Pistons are refusing to bow out without a fight. The Knicks took a 3-1 series lead with a nail-biting 94-93 victory in Game 4, but the Pistons pushed the series to a Game 6 after a 106-103 win in Game 5 on Tuesday. With the series now at 3-2 in favor of New York, the Knicks will head back to Detroit for Game 6 on Thursday, May 1, hoping to seal the deal and secure a spot in the next round.
Knicks’ Championship Aspirations
The New York Knicks came into the playoffs with high expectations, driven by two significant moves in the offseason. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns were both brought in via trades, marking their first playoff appearances with the team. These additions have paid off in a big way. Towns has averaged 24.4 points per game on 42% shooting from beyond the arc, while Jalen Brunson has been the leader for the Knicks’ fifth-ranked offense, averaging 26 points and 7.3 assists per game during the regular season.
The Knicks are looking to advance to the second round for the second consecutive year, a significant step in their championship aspirations. However, the Detroit Pistons are making their first postseason appearance since 2019, and despite being the underdogs, they are giving the Knicks a run for their money.
The Pistons’ Resilience
The Pistons, under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, have been one of the most surprising teams of the 2025 season. After winning just 14 games last season, Detroit has turned things around in a big way, winning 44 games and earning the respect of many across the league. Bickerstaff has even garnered Coach of the Year consideration for his remarkable turnaround.
At the heart of the Pistons’ success is the dynamic play of Cade Cunningham. The 2025 NBA All-Star has enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. In Game 5, Cunningham led the Pistons to victory with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, keeping Detroit’s hopes alive.
Game 5: Pistons Show Grit, Send Series Back to Detroit
Game 5 was another thrilling contest that lived up to the expectations of a tight playoff series. The Pistons dug deep, led by Cunningham’s all-around performance, and pulled out a hard-fought 106-103 victory in New York, staying alive in the series. It wasn’t an easy win, as the Knicks mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, but Detroit’s defense and clutch plays in the final moments sealed the win.
One of the key moments in the game was a two-and-a-half-minute stretch in the fourth quarter when the Knicks were shorthanded. Brunson appeared to roll his ankle, while Josh Hart seemed to injure his wrist after a hard fall. During this stretch, the Pistons went on an 8-2 run, shifting the momentum in their favor. Cunningham made crucial plays down the stretch, including a pair of clutch free throws to put the game out of reach.
Despite a strong effort from the Knicks, including clutch three-pointers from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, they were unable to recover in the final moments. The Pistons’ defense and timely shooting gave them the edge, forcing Game 6 back in Detroit.
The Knicks’ Struggles in Game 5
While the Pistons were celebrating their victory, the Knicks were left to reflect on what could have been. The absence of Brunson and Hart in the fourth quarter proved to be a costly blow. Brunson had been battling through an injury, but his presence on the court was crucial for New York’s offense. Without him, the Knicks struggled to create scoring opportunities, and the Pistons capitalized on their mistakes.
Karl-Anthony Towns also faced difficulties in Game 5. The big man had an off night shooting and picked up his fifth foul with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter, putting him in foul trouble. His absence from the floor, along with Mitchell Robinson’s struggles with fouls, forced the Knicks to rely heavily on their bench, which ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome Detroit’s tenacity.
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The Pistons’ Bright Spots
For Detroit, it was a total team effort that propelled them to victory. Aside from Cunningham’s stellar all-around play, second-year guard Ausar Thompson had one of his best games of the series, scoring 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting and contributing seven rebounds and two blocks. Thompson’s defense on Jalen Brunson in the second half was key to limiting the Knicks’ offense, and his timely scoring helped keep the Pistons ahead when it mattered most.
Tobias Harris also stepped up for Detroit, making key plays on both ends of the floor. Harris finished the game with 15 points, and his defense helped contain New York’s offensive weapons. Detroit’s defense as a whole was improved from previous games, and their ability to shut down key Knicks players in critical moments gave them the win.
Final Box Score
Detroit Pistons:
- Tobias Harris led with 17 points and a solid all-around performance (6-13 FG, 3-5 3P, 2-2 FT, 8 rebounds, 4 assists).
- Ausar Thompson had an excellent game, scoring 22 points (8-10 FG, 6-12 FT) with 7 rebounds and 2 assists.
- Jalen Duren contributed with 9 points and 14 rebounds, adding 6 assists as well.
- Cade Cunningham put up 24 points with 8 assists, but his shooting efficiency was lower (6-17 FG).
- Tim Hardaway Jr. struggled with shooting, finishing with 8 points on 2-10 FG.
New York Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson had a quieter game, scoring 16 points with 7 assists but shooting only 25% (4-16 FG).
- OG Anunoby was a standout, scoring 19 points (8-13 FG, 3-4 3P) with 8 rebounds.
- Josh Hart had a solid performance, posting 15 points and 7 rebounds.
- Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds but struggled with shooting efficiency (5-14 FG).
- Mikal Bridges added 17 points (7-16 FG) and contributed defensively with 3 steals and 2 blocks.
The Knicks Look Ahead to Game 6
The Knicks now face the challenge of closing out the series in Detroit. With a 3-2 lead, they will have to overcome the adversity of losing a crucial Game 5 at home. Game 6 on Thursday, May 1, will be a must-win for New York if they are to advance to the second round.
Brunson’s injury status will be a major storyline leading into Game 6. If he’s unable to go, the Knicks will need other players to step up, especially Towns and Bridges, who have been their two most consistent performers throughout the series. The Knicks’ depth will be tested, and players like OG Anunoby and Josh Hart will need to make significant contributions.
For the Pistons, it’s all about continuing the momentum from their Game 5 victory. With the series now heading back to Detroit, they have a chance to even things up and force a Game 7. Detroit will need another strong performance from Cunningham and the supporting cast, as they will be playing in front of their home crowd with everything on the line.
Knicks vs. Pistons Schedule
- Game 1: Knicks 123, Pistons 112
- Game 2: Pistons 100, Knicks 94
- Game 3: Knicks 118, Pistons 116
- Game 4: Knicks 94, Pistons 93
- Game 5: Pistons 106, Knicks 103 (New York leads 3-2)
- Game 6: Thursday, May 1 | Knicks at Pistons | Time/TV TBD
- Game 7: Saturday, May 3 | Pistons at Knicks | Time/TV TBD (if necessary)
Knicks vs. Pistons Odds (via FanDuel)
- Series odds: Knicks -490, Pistons +380
- Game 6 odds: Pistons -2, O/U 213
As the series heads back to Detroit, both teams know what’s at stake. For the Knicks, it’s a chance to move closer to their championship aspirations, while the Pistons are fighting to extend their playoff run. All eyes will be on Game 6 as the tension continues to build.
