Pistons Look to Extend Dominance Over Knicks at Madison Square Garden
The Detroit Pistons have taken control of this matchup early in the season, winning both meetings against the New York Knicks convincingly. Detroit has averaged 119.5 points in those games while holding New York to just 85, a clear drop from the Knicks’ typical production. Now the series shifts to Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, where the Knicks have been one of the toughest teams to beat this season. New York enters with a 21-7 home record, playing with more energy and confidence in front of its crowd. That sets the stage for a key Eastern Conference matchup with momentum and positioning on the line.
Detroit’s defensive presence has been the difference in both wins. The Pistons have held New York under 44 percent shooting while forcing around 15 turnovers per game, turning those mistakes into over 20 fast break points. They have also controlled the glass, holding a plus-eight rebounding advantage and limiting second-chance opportunities. Offensively, Detroit has been efficient and connected, averaging 26.7 assists while shooting close to 49 percent from the field and nearly 38 percent from three in the matchup. That balance has made it difficult for New York to slow the pace or key in on one scorer.
Cade Cunningham continues to lead Detroit, averaging over 25.3 points and 9.6 assists this season while controlling tempo and creating efficient looks. The Pistons have built a reputation for jumping out to early leads, ranking near the top of the conference in first-half point differential. For the Knicks, consistency has been the biggest issue in this matchup, as they've shot just above 33 percent from three in the two losses. New York leans on Jalen Brunson to control the offense, along with a group that thrives on ball movement and spacing, but Detroit’s defensive pressure has disrupted that rhythm. At home, however, the Knicks are a different team, defending at a higher level and playing at a faster pace.
Thursday night presents a different level of pressure for both teams. Detroit will look to prove its dominance can carry into one of the league’s most demanding environments, while New York will try to protect its home floor and reset the matchup. With both teams fighting for position in the Eastern Conference, this game carries weight beyond a typical regular-season contest. A win for Detroit would reinforce its rise as a legitimate contender, while a Knicks victory would protect one of the league’s best home records. If the Pistons win again, the message will be clear. Detroit is not just competing in the East; they are becoming a serious problem.
