Cade Cunningham delivered one of the most complete performances of the season as the Detroit Pistons rolled past the New York Knicks 121-90 on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
The All-Star guard finished with 29 points and 13 assists, directing an offense that controlled the game from the opening minutes and never allowed New York to find rhythm. Detroit improved to 27-9, while the visitors dropped to 23-13 after their fourth straight loss.
The matchup marked the first meeting since last spring’s first-round playoff series, when New York ended Detroit’s season in six games. This time, the result was never in doubt as the Pistons delivered a decisive response in front of the home crowd.
Cunningham set the tone early, scoring 14 points and handing out seven assists before halftime as Detroit built a 64-54 lead. The Pistons consistently attacked the interior, establishing a 36-22 edge in points in the paint by the break.
Despite trailing, New York shot efficiently in the first half, hitting 53.8 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three-point range. Jalen Brunson scored 17 of his 25 points before intermission to keep the game competitive.
Any momentum disappeared after halftime. Detroit opened the third quarter with a 19-5 run that stretched across more than eight minutes of game time. Cunningham scored 15 points during that surge and assisted on the other two baskets, pushing the lead to 24.
During that stretch, New York missed 14 of its first 16 shots of the half, while Detroit repeatedly finished at the rim. The Pistons added eight more points in the paint as the game quickly tilted out of reach.
Javonte Green provided a lift off the bench with 17 points, while Jaden Ivey added 16 on efficient shooting. Detroit finished with a 52-34 advantage in paint scoring and outrebounded New York 44-30, reinforcing its physical control of the game.
Brunson led all scorers for the Knicks, but received limited support. Miles McBride scored 17 off the bench, and Mikal Bridges finished with 10, making him the only other New York player in double figures.
Detroit shot 55 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range, while holding New York to 42 percent overall. The Pistons also recorded 25 assists on 47 made basket.
The Knicks will look to regroup when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Detroit remains at home to face Chicago in the second of six straight games at Little Caesars Arena.
