Detroit Pistons End Long Playoff Losing Run with Win Over Knicks
The Detroit Pistons have finally ended their 15-game losing streak in the NBA playoffs. They beat the New York Knicks 100-94 on Monday night to level their first-round series in the Eastern Conference at 1-1.
Cade Cunningham led the way for Detroit with 33 points and 12 rebounds. Dennis Schroder also impressed, scoring 20 points off the bench—including a key three-pointer with just 55 seconds left in the game.
This win was Detroit’s first playoff victory since 2008. It also marks their return to the postseason for the first time since 2019.
The Pistons had led by 15 points in the third quarter, but the Knicks closed the gap and tied the game at 94-94 with just over a minute to play. New York star Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter and assisted Josh Hart for a dunk that levelled the match.
However, Schroder quickly responded with a three-pointer that gave Detroit the lead again. The Knicks then failed to score on their final three possessions, while Schroder and Jalen Duren scored free throws to seal the win.
Tobias Harris finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds for Detroit. Jalen Duren added 12 points and 13 rebounds. For the Knicks, Mikal Bridges scored 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were limited to just 10 points each.
“We did what we came here to do,” said Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff. “Winning on the road and getting back home with a win was the goal. We kept things professional and learned from our mistakes in Game 1.”
Leonard Lifts Clippers Past Nuggets
In another big game on Monday, Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Denver Nuggets 105-102, tying their Western Conference series at one game each.
Leonard made 15 of his 19 shots, bouncing back after a tough game on Saturday when he had seven turnovers. James Harden added 18 points, Ivica Zubac had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Norman Powell scored 13.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic finished with a triple-double, but he and teammate Christian Braun missed late three-point shots that could have forced overtime.
“This is what the playoffs are about—tough battles,” Leonard said after the game.
Game 3 in both series will be played on Thursday. The Pistons will host the Knicks, while the Clippers will welcome the Nuggets to California.
