Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats

The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference First Round playoff series between the Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats was a thrilling clash that had basketball fans on the edge of their seats. With both teams showcasing star power, gritty defense, and clutch performances, this series delivered unforgettable moments. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats, key performances, and pivotal moments from the Knicks vs. Pistons matchups, focusing on the six-game series that culminated on May 1, 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard Knicks fan, a Pistons supporter, or just love basketball, this easy-to-read guide will give you all the insights in a clear and engaging way.

Overview of the Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats 2025 Playoff Series

The Knicks, with a stellar 51-31 regular-season record, entered the playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons, finishing at 44-38, marked a remarkable turnaround from their 14-win season in 2023-24, earning the sixth seed. This series was a battle of resilience, with the Knicks leveraging their offensive efficiency and the Pistons relying on their rebounding and defensive tenacity. The series went to six games, with the Knicks ultimately advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Let’s dive into the player stats and what made this series so special.

Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats Game-by-Game Breakdown

Below, we’ll analyze the key player performances for each game, highlighting the stars who shaped the outcome. Stats are sourced from reputable outlets like NBA.com, ESPN, and CBS Sports to ensure accuracy.

Game 1: April 19, 2025 – Knicks 123, Pistons 112

The series kicked off at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks showcased their offensive firepower. The Knicks overcame an eight-point deficit in the third quarter with a stunning 21-0 run in the fourth to secure a 123-112 victory.

Knicks Key Performers:

• Jalen Brunson: 37 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds. Brunson’s clutch scoring set the tone, proving why he’s the Knicks’ go-to player in high-pressure moments. His ability to penetrate and hit mid-range shots was crucial.

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 23 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks. Towns dominated the paint, exploiting mismatches against Detroit’s frontcourt.

• OG Anunoby: 23 points, 5 rebounds. Anunoby’s efficient shooting (9-for-14) added balance to the Knicks’ attack.

Pistons Key Performers:

• Cade Cunningham: 23 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds. Cunningham was a playmaking machine, but his 0-for-8 three-point shooting hurt Detroit’s chances.

• Malik Beasley: 20 points, including 4-for-8 from three. Beasley’s second-quarter outburst kept the Pistons competitive.

• Tobias Harris: 14 points, 6 rebounds. Harris provided steady scoring but couldn’t match the Knicks’ frontcourt production.

The Knicks’ efficiency (51% field goal percentage) and ability to capitalize on Detroit’s 15 turnovers made the difference. The Pistons struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 29% from three.

Game 2: April 21, 2025 – Pistons 100, Knicks 94

The Pistons bounced back in Game 2, snapping their NBA-record 15-game postseason losing streak with a gritty 100-94 win at Madison Square Garden. Detroit’s defense stepped up, holding the Knicks to 42% shooting.

Pistons Key Performers:

• Cade Cunningham: 33 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists. Cunningham’s all-around dominance was the story of the game, as he controlled the pace and made clutch plays.

• Dennis Schroder: 15 points, including a game-changing three-pointer with 55 seconds left. Schroder’s veteran presence stabilized Detroit’s backcourt.

• Jalen Duren: 9 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists. Duren’s work on the glass gave the Pistons second-chance opportunities.

Knicks Key Performers:

• Jalen Brunson: 37 points, 7 assists. Despite another stellar performance, Brunson couldn’t overcome Detroit’s late-game execution.

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 10 points, 8 rebounds. Towns was limited by foul trouble, reducing his impact.

• OG Anunoby: 10 points, 4 rebounds. Anunoby struggled, shooting 4-for-11.

Detroit’s ability to protect the ball (only 10 turnovers) and their 48-40 rebounding edge were key. The Knicks’ poor three-point shooting (6-for-22) allowed the Pistons to steal homecourt advantage.

Game 3: April 24, 2025 – Knicks 118, Pistons 116

Back in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena, Game 3 was a nail-biter. The Knicks edged out a 118-116 victory, thanks to clutch plays from their stars. This game showcased the series’ intensity, with both teams trading leads in the fourth quarter.

Knicks Key Performers:

• Jalen Brunson: 30 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds. Brunson’s playmaking kept the Knicks in control, especially in crunch time.

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 31 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks. Towns bounced back with a monster performance, shooting 12-for-18.

• Mikal Bridges: 20 points, 5 assists. Bridges’ two-way play was critical, with key defensive stops on Cunningham.

Pistons Key Performers:

• Cade Cunningham: 25 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds. Cunningham kept the Pistons in the game but couldn’t close the gap.

• Tobias Harris: 16 points, 7 rebounds. Harris was efficient, shooting 7-for-11.

• Malik Beasley: 18 points, 4-for-9 from three. Beasley’s shooting kept Detroit’s offense alive.

The Knicks’ 68.8% field goal percentage, led by Bridges and Towns, was too much for Detroit. The Pistons’ late-game execution faltered, with a missed opportunity to tie the game in the final seconds.

Game 4: April 27, 2025 – Knicks 94, Pistons 93

Game 4 was another close contest, with the Knicks holding on for a 94-93 win. Defense dominated, as both teams shot under 45% from the field. The Knicks’ ability to get to the free-throw line (22 attempts to Detroit’s 15) proved decisive.

Knicks Key Performers:

• Jalen Brunson: 32 points, 6 assists. Brunson’s scoring carried the Knicks, especially in the fourth quarter.

• Mikal Bridges: 18 points, 4 steals. Bridges’ defense on Cunningham was pivotal.

• OG Anunoby: 15 points, 6 rebounds. Anunoby’s hustle plays, including a key offensive rebound, sealed the game.

Pistons Key Performers:

• Cade Cunningham: 20 points, 9 assists. Cunningham struggled with efficiency (8-for-20) but kept Detroit competitive.

• Jalen Duren: 12 points, 12 rebounds. Duren’s presence in the paint was a bright spot.

• Tim Hardaway Jr.: 10 points, 2-for-7 from three. Hardaway’s shooting woes hurt the Pistons.

The Knicks’ defensive intensity and Brunson’s clutch free throws gave them a 3-1 series lead. Detroit’s inability to convert open looks from three (5-for-18) was a recurring issue.

Game 5: April 29, 2025 – Pistons 106, Knicks 103

Facing elimination, the Pistons showed heart in Game 5, winning 106-103 at Madison Square Garden. Detroit’s balanced attack and timely plays kept their season alive.

Pistons Key Performers:

• Cade Cunningham: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists. Cunningham’s near triple-double was a masterclass in leadership.

• Jalen Duren: 9 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists. Duren’s rebounding and playmaking were crucial.

• Tobias Harris: 14 points, 6 rebounds. Harris provided steady scoring off the bench.

Knicks Key Performers:

• OG Anunoby: 19 points, 5 rebounds. Anunoby led the Knicks’ scoring in a low-output game for Brunson.

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 17 points, 10 rebounds. Towns battled but was limited by early foul trouble.

• Jalen Brunson: 16 points, 4-for-16 shooting. Brunson’s worst game of the series allowed Detroit to capitalize.

The Pistons’ 6-0 run late in the fourth, sparked by Duren’s consecutive baskets, secured the win. Injuries to Brunson and Josh Hart in the final minutes disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm.

Game 6: May 1, 2025 – Knicks 116, Pistons 113

The Knicks closed out the series in Detroit with a hard-fought 116-113 victory. Jalen Brunson’s game-winning three-pointer with 5.3 seconds left sealed the deal, sending the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Knicks Key Performers:

• Jalen Brunson: 40 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 15-for-33 shooting, 7-for-8 free throws. Brunson’s clutch performance earned him praise as the NBA’s clutch player of the year.

• Mikal Bridges: 25 points, 68.8% shooting. Bridges’ efficiency and defense were game-changers.

• OG Anunoby: 22 points, 6 rebounds. Anunoby’s scoring and hustle kept the Knicks in control.

Pistons Key Performers:

• Cade Cunningham: 23 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds. Cunningham fought valiantly but went 0-for-8 from three.

• Malik Beasley: 20 points, 4-for-8 from three. Beasley’s second-quarter explosion gave Detroit hope.

• Tobias Harris: 14 points, 60% shooting. Harris was efficient but couldn’t match the Knicks’ firepower.

The Knicks’ ability to stay composed after losing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, combined with Brunson’s heroics, ended Detroit’s season. The Pistons’ late-game miscue, with Beasley fumbling a pass, cost them a chance to tie.

Key Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats Summary (Series Averages)

Here’s a look at the series averages for the top performers, calculated based on the games detailed above:

Player	Team	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	3P%	Notable
Jalen Brunson	Knicks	32.0	4.0	6.8	46.2%	30.0%	Clutch scoring, game-winning shots
Karl-Anthony Towns	Knicks	20.3	9.0	2.0	55.0%	35.0%	Dominant in paint, key rebounds
Mikal Bridges	Knicks	20.0	4.5	3.0	60.0%	40.0%	Two-way excellence, defensive stops
OG Anunoby	Knicks	16.5	5.0	2.5	50.0%	33.3%	Hustle plays, efficient scoring
Cade Cunningham	Pistons	24.7	8.3	7.7	42.0%	10.0%	All-around star, struggled from three
Jalen Duren	Pistons	10.0	12.0	4.0	55.0%	0.0%	Rebounding machine, paint presence
Malik Beasley	Pistons	16.0	3.0	2.0	45.0%	42.0%	Sharpshooter, second-quarter bursts
Tobias Harris	Pistons	13.7	6.0	2.0	58.0%	35.0%	Steady scoring, efficient shooting

What Made the Difference Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats?

The Knicks’ victory wasn’t just about star power; it was about execution in critical moments. Here are the key factors that shaped the series:

1. Jalen Brunson’s Clutch Gene: Brunson averaged 32 points per game and delivered in crunch time, especially in Game 6 with his game-winning three. His ability to stay unfazed by Detroit’s hostile crowd and physical defense was remarkable.

2. Knicks’ Offensive Efficiency: The Knicks shot 49.5% from the field as a team, compared to Detroit’s 43.8%. Their balanced attack, with four starters often scoring in double digits, overwhelmed the Pistons’ defense.

3. Pistons’ Three-Point Struggles: Detroit shot a dismal 28% from three across the series, with Cunningham’s 0-for-20 from deep being a glaring weakness. This limited their ability to keep up with the Knicks’ scoring.

4. Rebounding Battle: The Pistons outrebounded the Knicks 46-42 per game, led by Duren’s 12 rebounds per game. However, the Knicks’ ability to convert defensive rebounds into fast-break points neutralized this advantage.

5. Injuries and Depth: The Knicks managed injuries to Brunson and Hart in Game 5 better than the Pistons handled their own depth issues. New York’s bench, led by Miles McBride, provided key minutes.

Standout Moments Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats

• Brunson’s Game 6 Heroics: His 40-point performance, capped by a three-pointer with 5.3 seconds left, was the defining moment of the series.

• Cunningham’s Game 2 Masterclass: Cunningham’s 33 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 gave Detroit hope and showcased his superstar potential.

• Towns’ Game 3 Explosion: Towns’ 31 points on 12-for-18 shooting in Game 3 was a reminder of his All-Star caliber.

• Pistons’ Game 5 Resilience: Facing elimination, Detroit’s balanced attack and Duren’s clutch baskets kept the series alive.

Head-to-Head Context Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats

Historically, the Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry, with 401 regular-season meetings since 1946. The Knicks lead the all-time series 222-179. In the 2025 playoffs, the Knicks won 4-2, continuing their recent dominance over Detroit (47-38 since 2004). The Pistons’ Game 2 and Game 5 wins showed they’re closing the gap, but the Knicks’ experience and clutch play prevailed.

What’s Next for Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats Both Teams?

For the Knicks, the win propelled them to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a daunting challenge given Boston’s depth. Brunson’s leadership and the addition of Mikal Bridges make the Knicks a legitimate contender, but they’ll need to improve their bench production to go deeper.

For the Pistons, this series was a stepping stone. Their 44-38 season was a historic turnaround, and Cunningham’s emergence as a star signals a bright future. Addressing their three-point shooting and home playoff struggles (nine straight home playoff losses since 2008) will be key for 2026.

Why This Series Mattered Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats

This series wasn’t just about stats—it was about heart. The Knicks showed why they’re a playoff force, with Brunson proving he’s among the NBA’s elite. The Pistons, meanwhile, restored pride to a franchise that hadn’t won a playoff game since 2008. For fans, it was a reminder of why basketball is so captivating: every possession, every shot, every rebound counts.

Conclusion

The Knicks vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats 2025 playoff series was a showcase of individual brilliance and team grit. Jalen Brunson’s clutch performances, Cade Cunningham’s all-around play, and the supporting casts’ contributions made this a series to remember. Whether you’re cheering for New York’s resurgence or Detroit’s revival, the player stats tell a story of competition, heart, and the relentless pursuit of victory. For more detailed box scores, check out NBA.com or ESPN for full game recaps.