The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons prepare for a pivotal Game 4 matchup in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on April 27, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena, with the Knicks holding a narrow 2-1 series lead after a thrilling 118-116 win in Game 3. The Knicks have been led by the steady and reliable play of Jalen Brunson, who has provided consistent scoring and late-game heroics, while Karl-Anthony Towns has given New York a strong inside presence on both ends of the court. Despite holding the series advantage, New York has not had an easy time against a young and energized Pistons team that has shown fearlessness and physicality throughout the first three games. Cade Cunningham has emerged as a true leader for Detroit, pushing the Knicks’ defense with his playmaking and ability to hit timely shots, while Jalen Duren’s physicality in the paint and Tobias Harris’ veteran savvy have added valuable dimensions to Detroit’s game plan. The Pistons have effectively exposed some weaknesses in the Knicks’ bench depth, with Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley delivering strong performances off the bench to keep Detroit competitive in every game. Defensively, Detroit has made significant adjustments by matching Duren on Josh Hart to disrupt New York’s rebounding advantage and by pressuring the Knicks’ ball-handlers into more difficult shot attempts late in games.

The Knicks, while successful so far, must improve their execution under pressure, especially in closing quarters, and find ways to generate easier offensive looks to avoid relying too heavily on Brunson’s shot creation. Meanwhile, the Pistons see an opportunity to even the series if they can continue winning the battle on the boards, force turnovers, and maintain their aggressive defensive rotations that have slowed New York’s preferred half-court pace. As Game 4 approaches, the pressure shifts slightly more onto the Knicks, who recognize the danger of allowing a young team to gain momentum and confidence, especially with the prospect of a tied series looming. New York’s keys will be getting more out of their secondary scorers like RJ Barrett and Donte DiVincenzo, as well as tightening their defensive assignments against Detroit’s perimeter shooters. For Detroit, maintaining their physicality without fouling, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities, and trusting Cunningham to create efficient offense will be vital to their chances of pulling off the upset and sending the series back to Madison Square Garden all square. With both teams fully aware of what’s at stake, Game 4 promises to be another hard-fought, high-intensity battle where every possession could tip the balance between taking control of the series or seeing it reset to even footing.