Pistons at Knicks final score: Pistons beat Knicks, force Game 6 in Detroit

Through five games, the point differential is only Knicks +5 – this is a much closer series for a Detroit team with momentum.

This series between the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks has been nothing less than a barn burner. The three previous games were decided by a total of nine points, and Tuesday night in Madison Square Garden was no exception.

The game came down to the final possession, and this time, the Pistons were on the winning side, downing the Knicks 106-103. Detroit’s win makes the series 3-2 in New York’s favor and forces a Game 6 back in Detroit on Thursday. It was another physical, defensive game with a gritty Detroit win written all over it.

Cade Cunningham led the way with 24 points on 17 shots while shooting 11-for-12 from the free-throw line — all coming in the second half. He looked calmer tonight than he did in Game 4 – though, he’s still not finishing all that well at the rim. He had eight rebounds and eight assists, and he did a better job of responding to the double team off the pick-and-roll.

That pick-and-roll help comes from Jalen Duren, who had a unique nine points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. He was active the entire game and continues to show a skill set of playmaking out of the short roll. Duren found Ausar Thompson in the dunker spot for an easy two multiple times tonight.

Speaking of Thompson, both Ausar and Tobias Harris excelled in their forward roles tonight. Ausar had 22 points on only 10 attempts – he made eight field goals and shot 6-for-12 from the line. He hounded Brunson all game and contributed to Brunson shooting 25% from the field.

Harris added 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and four blocks. He did a lot of everything tonight, and I really commend him for his effort against Towns in the post. KAT looks to post up Tobias multiple times a game, but he’s always battling with him, and I much prefer Towns try a post shot than shoot a three.

Detroit has a chance to tie this series up yet again as they now trail the Knicks 3-2. Coach JB Bickerstaff spoke about taking it one game at a time, and they’ll have their eyes on Game 6 Thursday night as they look to force a Game 7. What an absolute fantastic time to be a Pistons fan.

Man, oh, man – can you imagine how loud it’s going to be in Little Caesars Arena? It’s so great to have playoff basketball back in Detroit again.