New York, NY – In a thrilling Game 1 of the first-round playoff series, the New York Knicks made a remarkable comeback against the Detroit Pistons with a stunning 21-0 run in the final period, securing a 123-112 victory at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points, while Cameron Payne contributed 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
The Knicks, seeded third in the playoffs, were propelled by Karl-Anthony Towns with 23 points and 11 rebounds, along with OG Anunoby who also scored 23 points. Despite a strong performance from the Pistons for most of the game, holding a lead of 98-90 in the fourth quarter, the Knicks’ relentless rally turned the game in their favor.
Payne and Brunson were instrumental in the Knicks’ comeback, combining for 17 points during the crucial 21-0 run that left the Pistons struggling to keep up. Tobias Harris led Detroit with 25 points, but was limited to only three points in the second half. Cade Cunningham, despite an impressive performance with 21 points and 12 assists, struggled to find his shot in his playoff debut.
Brunson, who battled through injuries late in the season, showcased his resilience by stepping up in the final quarter to lead the Knicks to victory. The win marked a significant moment for New York, ending the Pistons’ NBA-record 14-game playoff losing streak and securing their first playoff win since 2019.
The Knicks now look ahead to Game 2 on Monday night, eager to build on their momentum and continue their pursuit of a deep playoff run. The electrifying atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, fueled by the passionate Knicks fanbase, sets the stage for an intense and thrilling series between two determined teams.