The Detroit Pistons kept their postseason hopes alive Tuesday night with a 106-103 road win over the New York Knicks, and head coach JB Bickerstaff credited the group’s defensive intensity and late-game execution.
Speaking postgame at Madison Square Garden, Bickerstaff emphasized his team’s poise, saying, “This is what they’ve always shown to be, and this is what we expected from them tonight.”
Ausar Thompson’s performance was central to Detroit’s success, with Bickerstaff describing the forward’s defensive effort as “phenomenal.”
Thompson finished with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, while also setting the tone defensively by limiting transition opportunities and applying constant ball pressure.
Bickerstaff said the 22-year-old’s ability to adapt throughout the series has stood out: “He gets to see the guy over and over… and he grows every single game on understanding what’s the best way to defend him.”
The Pistons trailed early but gained control late, with Cade Cunningham igniting a crucial run in the final minutes, including a floater and key free throws.
Despite being contained early, Cunningham closed with 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while showcasing leadership Bickerstaff described as instinctive: “He understands the moment… he can get to his spot regardless of what you’re doing defensively.”
Jalen Duren delivered a physical presence in the paint, tallying 14 rebounds to go with six assists and nine points, and Bickerstaff highlighted both his playmaking and positioning.
“Because they’re putting two on the ball, he’s the guy that receives it in the pocket… and he’s a really good passer,” Bickerstaff noted.
Tobias Harris added 17 points, including 12 in the first half, and was referred to by Bickerstaff as the team’s “safety blanket” for his consistent presence in high-pressure moments.
Detroit outscored New York 11-8 over the final three minutes, holding off a late Knicks surge that was disrupted by temporary exits from Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart due to injury.
Brunson, who had averaged over 33 points per game in the series, was held to 16 on 4-of-16 shooting, his least efficient performance of the playoffs.
OG Anunoby paced New York with 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each added 17.
Detroit heads back to Little Caesars Arena for Game 6 on Thursday with a chance to force a Game 7.
“We got an opportunity to go home, play in a Game 6 in front of our crowd,” Bickerstaff said. “I know it will be awesome.”
Game 6 tips off Thursday in Detroit, where the Pistons look to extend the series against a Knicks team now facing pressure to close.
