Pistons vs Knicks final score: Pistons show they belong in potential playoff preview

If Detroit and New York are matched up in the playoffs, we’re in for a great series.

What a difference a year makes.

The Detroit Pistons beat the New York Knicks tonight 115-106 in a game that resembled a playoff atmosphere. The game got chippy, and you could tell the teams wanted this one a little more. Little Caesars Arena was loud and certainly had an impact on Detroit’s comeback after being down 13 in the third. Cade Cunningham showed why he deserves an All-NBA nod by leading the Pistons with 36 points.

That was one of the most fun games I’ve watched all year.

Cade was the star of the show once again in a game against New York – he’s averaging 31 points, five rebounds, and 8 assists in the four games against the Knicks this season. He was able to get to his spots tonight as he made 16 of his 24 field goal attempts. He got his 36 points and only shot four free throws – ethical hooper.

What a season it has been for Jalen Duren. He has rightfully earned himself an extension this summer and continues to be the perfect lob threat for Cade. JD had 18 points on 9-for-9 shooting to go along with 13 rebounds. The guy dunks everything.

We’ve got to give a big “welcome back” to Tobias Harris following his return from injury. He only had nine shot attempts, but he finished with 17 points, and every bucket seemed to come at the perfect time. He knocked down a couple threes, he hit a couple post fadeaways, and he made all four of his free throw attempts.

Dennis Schroder, Isaiah Stewart, and Ron Holland wore the Detroit jersey proudly tonight. They were both incredibly active on defense by playing passing lanes or getting a chase-down block in the lane. Schroder left his feet multiple times to make effort plays and seems to be really happy in Detroit. Stew was able to shutdown KAT late in the fourth on multiple possessions.

Holland continues to impressive as the season goes on. New York felt like they could guard Ron with Precious Achiuwa, hoping that they could force him to shoot from outside, but Holland had two very timely cuts to finish strongly at the rim. He’s so good at finding ways to get himself involved in every game – you always know when he’s on the court.

As JBB Bickerstaff and Ron Holland said postgame, “that’s Detroit Pistons basketball – 48 minutes of playing hard.”

Detroit takes on Milwaukee in a home-and-home for the final two games.