NBA Playoffs 2025: Cade Cunningham Shines as Pistons Defeat Knicks in Game 2, Snap Losing Streak and Tie Series

NEW YORK — The Streak Is Finally Over.

The Detroit Pistons snapped their NBA-record, 15-game postseason losing streak with a thrilling 100-94 win over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

This victory marked the Pistons' first playoff win since May 26, 2008, and came behind a breakout performance from star guard Cade Cunningham, who finished with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists. Detroit now heads into Game 3 — set for Thursday, April 24 — with the series tied 1-1 and momentum on their side.

"It’s a great feeling. It feels good to represent the city like we did tonight. It’s something the city’s been waiting on for a long time," Cunningham said postgame. "We’re ready to get back to the crib and perform in front of them."

Clutch Plays in Crunch Time After giving up a 15-point lead, the Pistons saw the game tied at 94 on a Josh Hart dunk with just under 90 seconds to go. But veteran guard Dennis Schröder stepped up big, draining a deep go-ahead three with 55 seconds left. He added a free throw with 8.1 seconds to make it a two-possession game, and Jalen Duren sealed the win with two more at the line.

Schröder finished with 20 points off the bench, knocking down 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Tobias Harris added 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Jalen Duren posted 12 points and 13 boards.

Dominance on the Glass and Defense Even without Isaiah Stewart — who sat out with knee inflammation — the Pistons controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Knicks 48-34. They held New York to just 42% shooting from the field and 29% from three, a major defensive improvement after their Game 1 collapse.

Cade Cunningham: Star Emerges Cunningham, who struggled with efficiency in Game 1 (8-for-21), bounced back with a near-flawless first half — scoring 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He consistently attacked mismatches, drawing fouls on OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, and capping the first half with a hesitation layup just before the buzzer.

He stayed aggressive in the third quarter, scoring 9 more points, including a highlight-reel behind-the-back move on Mikal Bridges that led to a one-handed slam and Detroit's largest lead at 68-53.

In total, Cunningham played 42 minutes, went 11-of-21 from the field, 10-of-12 from the free-throw line, and 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. His ability to control the tempo, finish in traffic, and convert from the line proved critical.

Magic Johnson Co-Signs the Moment NBA legend Magic Johnson joined the chorus of praise following Game 2, tweeting:

"Cade Cunningham showed tonight he’s a future superstar in this league. The poise, the leadership, the skill — Detroit has its next great one."

Knicks’ Big Names Go Cold Despite Jalen Brunson’s 37 points and 7 assists, the Knicks got little help from their other stars. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were limited to just 10 points each, after scoring 23 apiece in Game 1. The Knicks were also out-shot at the line, taking just 2 free throws to Detroit’s 14 in the first half.

Brunson scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, trying to will New York back with a late 16-4 run. He even drew a foul on a three-point attempt from Tobias Harris to bring the Knicks within two, but New York couldn’t capitalize.

Pistons' Turnaround Season The Pistons’ success this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After winning just 14 games in the 2023-24 season, they finished this year 44-38, ending the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history (28 games). With a revamped roster and fresh energy under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit has quickly gone from a rebuilding team to a postseason threat.

“We’ve got bigger things we’re out here for,” Bickerstaff said. “Our guys stayed in the moment and did what we needed to do.”

Playoff History and What’s at Stake This is just the Pistons’ fourth playoff appearance since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals three straight times from 2006–2008. Their last home playoff win came in Game 4 against Boston in 2008 — the same year they earned their last overall postseason victory.

Fans in Detroit have waited a long time for meaningful postseason basketball. With the series tied and Game 3 on the horizon, a win at Little Caesars Arena would not only be historic — it would position the Pistons to potentially take control of the series and avoid a 3-1 deficit heading back to Manhattan.

Series Outlook: Game 3 in Detroit The Pistons will now host their first playoff game since 2019, and fans will return to Little Caesars Arena with hopes of making even more history. Game 3 tips off on Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 PM ET, broadcast on TNT, Sling TV, and NBA League Pass.

The momentum has shifted. The drought is over. And Detroit basketball is officially back.

Where to Watch the Series Fans can stream the game through multiple platforms:

• TNT (Cable/Satellite)

• Sling TV (promo offers)

• DirecTV Stream (free trial)

• FuboTV (free trial)

• MAX (with TNT simulcast option)

Don’t miss a moment — the Pistons are writing a new chapter, and it’s one fans won’t want to miss.

📊 Stat Leaders Recap (Game 2)

Detroit Pistons

• Cade Cunningham: 33 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST, 11-21 FG

• Dennis Schröder: 20 PTS (6-10 FG, 3-5 3PT), 3 AST

• Tobias Harris: 15 PTS, 13 REB

• Jalen Duren: 12 PTS, 13 REB

• Team Rebounds: 48

• Team 3PT Shooting: 6-of-27 (22.2%)

New York Knicks

• Jalen Brunson: 37 PTS, 7 AST, 4 REB, 4-12 3PT

• OG Anunoby: 10 PTS, 5 REB

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 10 PTS, 6 REB

• Team FG%: 42%

• Team 3PT%: 29%

• Team Rebounds: 34

🎙️ Quote of the Night – Cade Cunningham

“This wasn’t just about a game. This was for every Detroit fan who stayed loyal through the rebuild, through the losing streak, through it all. We feel that energy, and now we want to give them more.”

📈 Trending: Pistons’ Historic Turnaround

• 2023–24 Record: 14-68

• 2024–25 Record: 44-38

• Improvement: +30 wins

• Snapped:

  • 28-game regular-season losing streak (NBA record)

  • 15-game playoff losing streak (NBA record)

🧠 Key Strategic Shifts from Game 1 to Game 2

• Better spacing allowed Cade to isolate against weaker defenders (Brunson, Hart)

• Smarter switching kept Anunoby off Cunningham for much of the first half

• Rebounding focus with gang rebounding strategy in Stewart’s absence

• Controlled pace in 2nd half vs Game 1’s frantic 4th-quarter collapse

🏟️ Fan Note: Atmosphere in Detroit Will Be Electric

Game 3 marks the Pistons’ first home playoff game in six years. Little Caesars Arena is expected to be sold out, and with the momentum shift, the franchise is encouraging fans to “wear blue, bring the noise, and make it count.”