Pistons Show 'Poise' Against Knicks, End Record Playoff Losing Streak
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Pistons Snap Record Playoff Skid, Even Series with Knicks
NEW YORK — For much of the fourth quarter Monday night, it looked like déjà vu for the Detroit Pistons — another blown lead, another collapse at Madison Square Garden.
Just like in Game 1, Detroit carried an eight-point edge into the final period. And once again, the young Pistons faltered, letting the Knicks claw back and tie the game at 94 with just over a minute remaining. But this time, the ending was different.
Dennis Schroder buried a go-ahead three with 55 seconds left, and the Pistons held on for a 100-94 victory in Game 2 — snapping their NBA-record 15-game postseason losing streak that stretched all the way back to 2008.
“We found a way to maintain our poise and collect ourselves in a really similar situation,” said Cade Cunningham, who led Detroit with 33 points and 12 rebounds. “It was a great opportunity for us to respond — and we did.”
With the series tied 1-1, Detroit now heads home for its first playoff game since 2019.
Ending the Drought
Detroit’s win marks its first playoff victory since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals. The 15 straight losses were the longest playoff skid in league history.
| Team | Years | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Pistons | 2008–2025 | 15 |
| Knicks | 2001–2012 | 13 |
| Hornets | 2002–2016 | 12 |
| Grizzlies | 2004–2006 | 12 |
Despite a rough night from deep (just 2-of-17 in the second half), Detroit built a lead behind gritty defense and hustle. The Pistons jumped out early with physicality, winning the rebounding battle and dominating the free throw line — holding a 14-2 advantage at the stripe in the first half.
That disparity infuriated Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, whose team ended up being outshot at the line 34-19.
“Huge discrepancy in free throws,” Thibodeau said postgame. “If marginal contact gets Cunningham to the line, Jalen [Brunson] should be getting those calls too.”
Brunson, who finished with 37 points and seven assists, helped rally the Knicks late with a 14-point fourth quarter. A Josh Hart dunk tied the game at 94 and sent MSG into a frenzy.
But on the next possession, Brunson and Hart had a defensive miscue that left Schroder wide open for the dagger three — just Detroit’s second triple of the half.
“That can’t happen,” Brunson said. “Hart and I have played together too long for that.”
Knicks Face Questions
New York now finds itself searching for answers after trailing in the fourth quarter of both games against a team it swept in the regular season.
All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns had a quiet night — just 10 points and six rebounds — and didn’t attempt a single shot in the fourth quarter, despite playing the entire period.
After the game, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff reflected on the learning curve for his young team.
“You can tell them what to expect, but they have to feel it,” he said. “It’s like telling your kids not to do something, and they go and do it anyway. You hope the next time, they’ve learned. And tonight, we did.”
On Monday, Detroit showed they’re learning fast — and they’re no longer just happy to be here.
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