Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham is gearing up for what promises to be a highly competitive and intense first playoff series of his career, as relayed by Stefan Bondy of The New York Post via an ESPN interview.
Detroit will face off against the New York Knicks in the opening round, and Cunningham is anticipating a tough and physical matchup.
“It’s going to be a war,” Cunningham said. “It’s going to be highly physical games – defense, battling it out on the glass, all of those different things. I think it’s going to be a super exciting series for people at home to watch, and it’s going to be a great test for us as far as first round, first series in a long time for the organization. So it’s exciting, and I think it’s going to be a great one for us.”
For Cunningham, this playoff appearance is not only significant for his career but also a milestone for the Pistons, marking their return to the postseason for the first time in years.
The high level of competition and intensity is something Cunningham looks forward to, emphasizing how crucial it will be for both him and his team to perform under pressure.
On the other hand, the Knicks are well aware of Cunningham’s impressive performance throughout the season, and head coach Tom Thibodeau has already formulated a strategy to limit the impact of the young star.
“He’s had a terrific season. It’s not just [against] us, he’s done it against everybody. We understand that. … With great players you don’t guard them individually, you guard them collectively,” Thibodeau said. “So we have to understand what goes into that.”
The series promises to be an exciting clash between two teams eager to make a statement in the postseason, with Cunningham and the Pistons looking to prove themselves in their first playoff appearance in years.
Central Notes: Cunningham, Pacers Comeback, Bulls Season, Connaughton https://t.co/uBZprGLScB pic.twitter.com/BJiJnAXlB3
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 14, 2025
