New York, NY – April 30, 2025 – In a stunning turn of events, the Detroit Pistons silenced the roaring Madison Square Garden crowd with a narrow 106-103 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their playoff series. Facing elimination, the Pistons rose to the occasion and kept their postseason hopes alive with a gritty, resilient performance on the road.
From the opening tip, it was clear the Pistons came into this must-win game with a renewed sense of urgency. Led by their young core and a clutch performance from veteran guard Cade Cunningham, Detroit refused to back down against a Knicks squad that had dominated much of the series.
Cunningham was sensational, scoring 28 points and adding 7 assists while taking command of the offense in the final minutes. Jaden Ivey provided a crucial spark off the bench with 17 points, while Jalen Duren controlled the paint with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks.
The Knicks, who led by as much as 10 in the second half, struggled to find their rhythm in the final stretch. Despite 30 points from Jalen Brunson and 22 from Julius Randle, New York’s late-game execution faltered, with key turnovers and missed opportunities in crunch time.
One of the defining moments came with under a minute remaining, when Cunningham sank a deep three to break a 101-101 tie. The Knicks answered with a quick bucket, but Detroit’s composure at the free-throw line sealed the win.
“We knew our backs were against the wall,” Cunningham said postgame. “But we believe in each other. We’re not done yet.”
With the series now 3-2 in favor of New York, the Pistons head back to Detroit for Game 6, where the energy of their home crowd could propel them to force a decisive Game 7.
If this comeback is any indication, the Pistons are far from finished.