The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons will square off once again on April 21, 2025, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden. After falling behind in the second half of Game 1, the Knicks rallied with a dominant fourth-quarter performance to pull out a 113–105 victory, showcasing the grit and composure that has defined their late-season surge. The win was anchored by Jalen Brunson’s leadership and shot-making under pressure, while Karl-Anthony Towns provided a strong interior presence that helped tilt the rebounding battle in New York’s favor. The Pistons, meanwhile, showed tremendous poise for a young team making its return to postseason action, led by Cade Cunningham, who posted 27 points and seven assists in a near-flawless three quarters before late turnovers and offensive stagnation allowed the Knicks to swing momentum. Detroit’s strategy of using its youthful speed and spacing to attack mismatches worked well for much of the game, but their late-game execution exposed some inexperience that New York exploited with veteran savvy and defensive discipline. As both teams prepare for Game 2, the adjustments will center on execution in the final minutes—whether Detroit can hold onto leads, and whether New York can maintain defensive intensity without waiting for desperation time. The Pistons outpaced the Knicks in transition early in Game 1, with Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson applying constant pressure off turnovers and defensive rebounds. Their ability to push the pace caught New York’s defense off guard, and for stretches, the Pistons appeared to control the rhythm of the game.

However, that early burst gave way to rushed possessions and contested perimeter shots as the Knicks tightened up defensively in the final 12 minutes. Coach Tom Thibodeau adjusted his rotations late in the game, opting for a smaller, switch-heavy defensive lineup that stifled Detroit’s half-court sets and turned stagnant possessions into fast-break opportunities for New York. Bench contributions also played a pivotal role, with Miles McBride and Donte DiVincenzo making key hustle plays and connecting on timely jumpers that kept the Knicks within striking distance before they pulled ahead. Rebounding also played a key role in swinging momentum, with Towns and Isaiah Hartenstein combining for 22 boards and limiting Detroit’s second-chance opportunities in the closing stages. For the Pistons, reasserting their early-game ball movement, limiting turnovers, and maintaining composure when the game slows down in the half-court will be essential adjustments for Game 2. Heading into Monday night’s contest, both teams will be fully aware that Game 2 could set the trajectory for the rest of the series—especially if the Knicks are able to head to Detroit with a 2–0 lead. For New York, the blueprint is simple: stay aggressive defensively, move the ball with pace, and continue leveraging Brunson’s ability to create separation late in games. For Detroit, a bounce-back will hinge on executing their game plan for a full 48 minutes, maintaining defensive discipline, and avoiding the late-game lapses that cost them in Game 1. Given the competitiveness of the opener, Game 2 has all the makings of another tightly contested battle, and the winner will hold more than just a statistical edge—it’ll claim crucial momentum in a series that’s proving to be more even than the seeding might suggest. With rising stars on one side and seasoned playoff veterans on the other, this series continues to blend youth and experience, energy and execution, with every possession magnified and every run potentially decisive. Expect another gritty, playoff-style fight where adjustments, rotations, and poise under pressure determine who walks away with the edge.