The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons delivered a tense, playoff-style battle in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference First Round series, with Detroit edging out a 106-103 win at Madison Square Garden. The victory keeps the Pistons alive in the series, cutting New York’s lead to 3-2 and injecting fresh momentum into what has become an increasingly competitive matchup.
Played in front of 19,812 fans, the game unfolded with a playoff intensity that reflected the high stakes on both sides. The Pistons entered knowing that a loss would end their season, while the Knicks were seeking to close out the series on home court. Instead, Detroit’s resilience, balanced scoring, and clutch execution in the final quarter proved decisive.
The box score reveals a contest defined by narrow margins, free throw efficiency, and timely contributions from Detroit’s young core, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren.
Detroit improved their road playoff credentials by executing in critical moments and converting from the line, while New York was left to rue missed free throws and an inability to fully capitalize on their rebounding advantage.
Game Overview And Final Score Summary
The Pistons defeated the Knicks 106-103, winning three of the four quarters or matching New York’s output. The scoring breakdown shows how tight the game was from start to finish:
Detroit Pistons
First Quarter: 22
Second Quarter: 27
Third Quarter: 28
Fourth Quarter: 29
Total: 106
New York Knicks
First Quarter: 23
Second Quarter: 27
Third Quarter: 24
Fourth Quarter: 29
Total: 103
New York held a slim one-point advantage after the first quarter, and both teams matched each other in the second and fourth periods. The third quarter became pivotal, with Detroit outscoring New York 28-24 and creating the margin that ultimately decided the game.
Despite trailing late, the Knicks mounted a late push, but Detroit’s composure at the free throw line sealed the result.
Knicks Vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats
| Category | Detroit Pistons | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 106 | 103 |
| Field Goals | 36-85 | 39-90 |
| Field Goal % | 42% | 43% |
| Three Pointers | 8-29 | 9-25 |
| Three Point % | 28% | 36% |
| Free Throws | 26-36 | 16-27 |
| Free Throw % | 72% | 59% |
| Total Rebounds | 45 | 49 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 15 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 33 | 34 |
| Assists | 21 | 19 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 19 | 12 |
| Fast Break Points | 14 | 13 |
| Points In The Paint | 48 | 52 |
| Steals | 9 | 5 |
| Blocks | 9 | 10 |
| Fouls | 24 | 27 |
| Technical Fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Largest Lead | 10 | 5 |
| Attendance | 19,812 | 19,812 |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden | Madison Square Garden |
| Series Status | Trail 2-3 | Lead 3-2 |
Cade Cunningham Leads Pistons With Poise And Scoring
Cade Cunningham once again proved why he is the focal point of Detroit’s rebuild and postseason ambitions. He finished the game with 24 points, shooting 6-of-17 from the field and an impressive 11-of-12 from the free throw line. While his shooting from the floor was not elite, his aggressiveness in attacking the basket forced New York into fouling situations.
Cunningham also led Detroit in assists with eight, despite committing five turnovers across his 37 minutes. His all-around contribution and ability to control tempo were essential in Detroit’s late-game execution.
Cunningham’s stat line reflected leadership under pressure, particularly when the Pistons needed steady hands during critical possessions.
Key contributions from Cade Cunningham included:
- 24 total points
- 11 made free throws
- 8 assists to lead all players
- 37 minutes played
- Primary ball handler in clutch moments
Jalen Duren Dominates The Glass For Detroit
Jalen Duren was a major factor inside, finishing with 14 rebounds, split evenly between seven offensive and seven defensive boards. His presence gave Detroit second-chance opportunities and disrupted New York’s interior rhythm.
Duren’s rebounding effort helped Detroit stay competitive in a game where New York held a slight edge in total rebounds. His ability to create extra possessions was particularly important in a matchup decided by just three points.
Duren’s physicality and timing around the rim continue to be a cornerstone of Detroit’s playoff identity.
Notable rebounding impact from Duren included:
- 14 total rebounds
- 7 offensive rebounds
- Extra possessions created for Detroit
- Interior presence against Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks bigs
OG Anunoby Leads Knicks Scoring But Support Falls Short
For the Knicks, OG Anunoby was the top scorer with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting. He was efficient from the field and did his damage without attempting a single free throw. His ability to score in isolation and transition kept New York within striking distance throughout the game.
However, the Knicks lacked a true scoring outburst from any single player, and their free throw struggles played a major role in the outcome.
Anunoby’s performance stood out for efficiency:
- 19 points on 61.5% shooting
- No free throw attempts
- Consistent scoring across quarters
- Strong two-way presence
Jalen Brunson Directs Knicks Offense With Playmaking
Jalen Brunson contributed seven assists, leading New York in playmaking. He played 36 minutes and committed four turnovers while trying to balance scoring and distribution.
While Brunson orchestrated the offense effectively, Detroit’s defensive pressure limited New York’s ability to generate clean looks in critical stretches.
Brunson’s leadership included:
- 7 assists
- Heavy minutes in a close game
- Primary facilitator in late possessions
- Ball movement under playoff pressure
Team Shooting Efficiency Comparison
Both teams shot at nearly identical rates from the field:
Detroit Pistons:
42% field goal shooting (36-of-85)
New York Knicks:
43% field goal shooting (39-of-90)
From three-point range, New York held a noticeable advantage:
Detroit:
28% (8-of-29)
New York:
36% (9-of-25)
However, Detroit made up the difference at the free throw line, which became the defining statistical separator:
Detroit:
72% (26-of-36)
New York:
59% (16-of-27)
Detroit attempted nine more free throws and converted ten more than New York, creating a ten-point swing that directly accounted for the final margin of victory.
Key shooting metrics that decided the game:
- Detroit attempted 36 free throws
- Knicks made just 16 free throws
- Detroit converted 72% at the line
- Knicks converted 59%
Rebounding Battle And Interior Control
The Knicks narrowly won the rebounding battle 49-45, including a 15-12 edge in offensive rebounds. They also outscored Detroit slightly in points in the paint, 52-48.
Despite this, Detroit’s ability to turn offensive rebounds into points and get to the free throw line negated New York’s advantage inside.
Rebounding breakdown:
- Knicks total rebounds: 49
- Pistons total rebounds: 45
- Knicks offensive rebounds: 15
- Pistons offensive rebounds: 12
Turnovers And Points Off Mistakes
Turnovers were nearly even:
Detroit: 14
New York: 15
Detroit converted New York’s mistakes more efficiently, scoring 19 points off Knicks turnovers compared to 12 points off turnovers for New York. That seven-point difference further reinforced Detroit’s efficiency in capitalizing on opportunities.
Turnover impact:
- Pistons points off turnovers: 19
- Knicks points off turnovers: 12
- Pistons had one fewer total turnover
- Better transition execution by Detroit
Defense, Steals, And Blocks Shape The Flow
Defensively, Detroit showed strong activity:
Detroit:
9 steals
9 blocks
New York:
5 steals
10 blocks
The Pistons disrupted New York’s passing lanes and challenged shots at the rim, contributing to rushed possessions and lower shooting quality in the fourth quarter.
Defensive contributions included:
- Detroit’s 9 steals creating fast break chances
- 9 blocks limiting interior scoring
- Knicks’ 10 blocks showing rim protection
- Defensive intensity on both sides
Fourth Quarter Execution And Clutch Performance
The fourth quarter ended 29-29, reflecting how closely contested the final stretch was. However, Detroit’s composure at the free throw line gave them the edge.
Cade Cunningham’s ability to draw fouls and convert at the stripe allowed Detroit to protect their lead. The Knicks, meanwhile, struggled to generate easy points late and were forced into tougher perimeter looks.
Late-game factors:
- Detroit controlled tempo
- Pistons converted free throws under pressure
- Knicks missed key opportunities at the line
- Defensive stops sealed the outcome
What The Win Means For The Series
With the win, Detroit cuts the series deficit to 3-2 and forces Game 6. Momentum now shifts slightly in their favor, especially with their young core proving capable under playoff pressure.
For the Knicks, this loss emphasizes the importance of closing opportunities and maximizing free throw efficiency. Their overall performance was strong enough to win, but execution in critical moments fell just short.
Series implications include:
- Pistons extend their season
- Knicks still hold a 3-2 series lead
- Increased pressure for New York in Game 6
- Confidence boost for Detroit’s young roster
Player Stat Leaders Recap
Detroit Pistons:
- Cade Cunningham: 24 points, 8 assists
- Jalen Duren: 14 rebounds
New York Knicks:
- OG Anunoby: 19 points
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 11 rebounds
- Jalen Brunson: 7 assists
Final Statistical Takeaways From Game 5
Detroit Pistons:
- 106 total points
- 72% free throw shooting
- 19 points off turnovers
- 9 steals, 9 blocks
New York Knicks:
- 103 total points
- 59% free throw shooting
- 49 total rebounds
- 10 blocks
This Game 5 battle highlighted how small statistical edges can define playoff outcomes. Detroit’s superior free throw shooting, defensive pressure, and composure under pressure were enough to overcome New York’s slight advantages in shooting efficiency and rebounding.
With the series now at 3-2, the Pistons have turned a must-win scenario into a statement performance, setting the stage for a dramatic continuation of this Eastern Conference First Round matchup.
