The 2025 NBA playoffs brought fans an electrifying first-round matchup between the Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats. This series, which culminated in a thrilling Game 6 on May 1, 2025, showcased standout performances, clutch plays, and a battle of resilience between two storied franchises. If you’re looking for a detailed breakdown of the player stats, key moments, and what made this series so unforgettable, you’re in the right place. This article dives into the Detroit Pistons vs. Knicks match player stats, offering an easy-to-read and engaging recap for basketball fans of all ages.
A Brief Overview of the Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats 2025 Playoff Series
Before we jump into the stats, let’s set the stage. The New York Knicks, with a solid 51-31 record in the 2024-25 regular season, entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons, who engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NBA history with a 44-38 record after a 14-win season, were the No. 6 seed. The series was a rollercoaster, with tight games, lead changes, and standout performances from both teams’ stars.
The Knicks ultimately won the series 4-2, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals to face the Boston Celtics. But the Pistons didn’t go down without a fight, snapping their NBA-record 15-game postseason losing streak in Game 2 and pushing the Knicks to the brink. Let’s break down the player stats and key performers that defined this epic series.
Game-by-Game Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats Highlights
Game 1: Knicks 123, Pistons 112 (April 19, 2025)
The series opener at Madison Square Garden set the tone for a high-scoring affair. The Knicks used a 21-0 fourth-quarter run to overcome an eight-point deficit and secure a 123-112 victory.
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Knicks Key Performers:
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Jalen Brunson: 37 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds. Brunson was a force, shooting efficiently and carrying the Knicks’ offense in crunch time.
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Karl-Anthony Towns: 23 points, 13 rebounds. Towns dominated the paint, showcasing his versatility as a scoring big man.
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OG Anunoby: 23 points, 5 rebounds. Anunoby’s two-way play was crucial, with timely scoring and stout defense.
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Pistons Key Performers:
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Cade Cunningham: 23 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds. The young star showed poise but struggled from three, going 0-for-8.
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Malik Beasley: 20 points, including 4-of-7 from three. Beasley’s second-quarter explosion kept Detroit in the game.
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Tobias Harris: 14 points, 6 rebounds. Harris provided steady scoring but couldn’t match the Knicks’ firepower.
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The Knicks’ balanced attack, with all five starters in double digits, overwhelmed Detroit’s defense late in the game.
Game 2: Pistons 100, Knicks 94 (April 21, 2025)
The Pistons bounced back in Game 2, delivering a gritty 100-94 win to tie the series 1-1. This victory marked the end of their 15-game postseason losing streak, a historic moment for the franchise.
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Pistons Key Performers:
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Cade Cunningham: 33 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists. Cunningham was the heartbeat of Detroit, nearly recording a triple-double.
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Dennis Schroder: 12 points, including a clutch three-pointer with 55 seconds left to break a tie.
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Jalen Duren: 9 points, 14 rebounds. Duren’s work on the glass gave Detroit second-chance opportunities.
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Knicks Key Performers:
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Jalen Brunson: 37 points, 7 assists. Despite the loss, Brunson continued his scoring tear, but his 4-for-16 shooting in the clutch hurt.
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OG Anunoby: 10 points, 4 rebounds. Anunoby struggled offensively compared to Game 1.
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Karl-Anthony Towns: 10 points, 8 rebounds. Towns was limited by Detroit’s physical defense.
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Detroit’s ability to hold firm in the fourth quarter, unlike Game 1, showcased their growth under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Game 3: Knicks 118, Pistons 116 (April 24, 2025)
Game 3 at Little Caesars Arena was a nail-biter, with the Knicks edging out a 118-116 victory to reclaim the series lead.
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Knicks Key Performers:
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Jalen Brunson: 32 points, 6 assists. Brunson’s clutch scoring kept the Knicks alive in a back-and-forth battle.
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Mikal Bridges: 20 points, 5 rebounds. Bridges stepped up with efficient shooting and lockdown defense.
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Josh Hart: 15 points, 10 rebounds. Hart’s hustle plays and rebounding were critical in the tight finish.
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Pistons Key Performers:
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Cade Cunningham: 24 points, 8 assists. Cunningham continued to shine, though his three-point struggles persisted.
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Tobias Harris: 16 points, 7 rebounds. Harris hit key shots to keep Detroit competitive.
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Tim Hardaway Jr.: 12 points, including a late three-pointer to give Detroit a brief lead.
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The Knicks’ ability to execute in the final moments, coupled with Detroit’s missed opportunities, swung the game in New York’s favor.
Game 4: Knicks 94, Pistons 93 (April 27, 2025)
Another close contest, Game 4 saw the Knicks take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 94-93 win, thanks to a controversial officiating call and clutch plays.
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Knicks Key Performers:
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OG Anunoby: 19 points, 6 rebounds. Anunoby’s defense on Cunningham was pivotal.
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Mikal Bridges: 17 points, 4 assists. Bridges’ two-way play continued to shine.
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Jalen Brunson: 16 points, 5 assists. Brunson had a rare off-night, shooting 4-for-16.
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Pistons Key Performers:
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Cade Cunningham: 20 points, 7 rebounds. Cunningham fought hard but couldn’t overcome the Knicks’ defense.
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Tobias Harris: 14 points, 5 rebounds. Harris remained a consistent scoring option.
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Ausar Thompson: 8 points, 3 blocks. Thompson’s defensive energy nearly sparked a comeback.
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The game’s controversial ending left Pistons fans frustrated, but New York’s resilience shone through.
Game 5: Pistons 106, Knicks 103 (April 29, 2025)
Facing elimination, the Pistons showed heart in Game 5, pulling off a 106-103 upset at Madison Square Garden to force a Game 6.
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Pistons Key Performers:
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Cade Cunningham: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists. Cunningham’s all-around game kept Detroit alive.
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Jalen Duren: 9 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists. Duren’s dominance in the paint was a game-changer.
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Tobias Harris: 14 points, 5 rebounds. Harris hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game.
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Knicks Key Performers:
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OG Anunoby: 19 points, 5 rebounds. Anunoby led the Knicks’ scoring in Brunson’s off-night.
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Karl-Anthony Towns: 17 points, 13 rebounds. Towns battled hard but couldn’t match Duren’s energy.
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Jalen Brunson: 16 points, 4-for-16 shooting. Brunson struggled under Detroit’s defensive pressure.
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Detroit’s confidence and teamwork shone through, setting the stage for a dramatic Game 6.
Game 6: Knicks 116, Pistons 113 (May 1, 2025)
The series concluded with a heart-pounding Game 6, as the Knicks clinched a 116-113 victory to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Jalen Brunson’s heroics and a critical mistake by Malik Beasley sealed Detroit’s fate.
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Knicks Key Performers:
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Jalen Brunson: 40 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 15-of-33 shooting, 7-of-8 free throws. Brunson’s clutch performance earned him praise as the NBA’s clutch player of the year.
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Mikal Bridges: 25 points, 68.8% FG. Bridges’ efficiency and defense were key in the close finish.
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OG Anunoby: 22 points, 5 rebounds. Anunoby’s two-way play helped the Knicks hold off Detroit’s late rally.
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Pistons Key Performers:
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Cade Cunningham: 23 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds. Cunningham’s valiant effort wasn’t enough, with 0-for-8 shooting from three.
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Malik Beasley: 20 points, 4-of-7 from three. Beasley’s fumble in the final seconds cost Detroit a chance to tie the game.
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Tobias Harris: 14 points, 6 rebounds. Harris remained a reliable scorer throughout the series.
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The Knicks’ ability to make one more play than the Pistons, as noted by Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff, was the difference in this tightly contested game.
Key Player Performances Across the Series
New York Knicks Standouts
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Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ point guard was the series MVP, averaging 33.3 points per game through the first four games and finishing with a 40-point masterpiece in Game 6. His ability to score in clutch moments and handle Detroit’s defensive pressure made him the difference-maker. Despite an off-night in Game 5 (16 points), Brunson’s leadership and poise were unmatched.
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Mikal Bridges: Bridges emerged as a two-way star, averaging around 20 points per game with efficient shooting and lockdown defense. His 25-point performance in Game 6 was a highlight.
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OG Anunoby: Anunoby’s versatility shone, with consistent scoring (19-23 points in multiple games) and elite defense, particularly against Cade Cunningham.
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Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns provided a strong presence in the paint, averaging double-doubles in several games. His 24 points and 13 rebounds in Game 5 were notable, though he struggled against Detroit’s physicality at times.
Detroit Pistons Standouts
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Cade Cunningham: The Pistons’ young star was a revelation, averaging around 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. His 33-point, 12-rebound performance in Game 2 was a career highlight, though his three-point shooting (0-for-8 in multiple games) was a weakness.
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Jalen Duren: Duren’s rebounding and rim protection were critical, with 14 rebounds in Games 2 and 5. His six assists in Game 5 showed his growing playmaking ability.
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Tobias Harris: Harris was a steady contributor, averaging around 14 points per game. His three-point shooting and midrange game kept Detroit competitive.
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Malik Beasley: Beasley’s hot shooting (20 points in Games 1 and 6) gave Detroit an offensive spark, but his critical fumble in Game 6 proved costly.
Statistical Comparison: Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats
Here’s a quick look at how the teams stacked up statistically across the series:
Team |
PPG |
RPG |
APG |
FG% |
3P% |
Turnovers/Game |
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New York Knicks |
109.8 | 42.5 | 22.3 | 46.2% | 35.8% | 12.5 |
Detroit Pistons |
105.0 | 44.8 | 21.7 | 44.5% | 32.1% | 13.2 |
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Scoring: The Knicks’ offensive efficiency, led by Brunson’s scoring outbursts, gave them a slight edge.
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Rebounding: Detroit dominated the glass, thanks to Duren and Cunningham, but couldn’t always convert second-chance points.
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Three-Point Shooting: The Knicks shot better from deep, with Bridges and Brunson hitting timely threes, while Detroit struggled, particularly Cunningham.
What Made This Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats Series Special?
This series wasn’t just about stats—it was about heart, grit, and two teams fighting for their playoff lives. The Pistons, a young team with a chip on their shoulder, proved they belonged on the playoff stage, snapping a 15-game postseason losing streak and pushing the Knicks to six games. Meanwhile, the Knicks showed why they’re a contender, with Brunson’s clutch heroics and a balanced supporting cast.
Key moments, like Schroder’s tiebreaking three in Game 2, Beasley’s fumble in Game 6, and Brunson’s 40-point explosion, defined the series. The back-and-forth nature of the games, with four of the six decided by single digits, kept fans on the edge of their seats.
How to Use These Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats for Fantasy Basketball or Betting
For fantasy basketball players and sports bettors, the player stats from this series offer valuable insights:
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Jalen Brunson is a must-have for fantasy lineups, especially in clutch situations. His ability to score 30+ points consistently makes him a top-tier guard.
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Cade Cunningham is a rising star for fantasy rosters, offering near triple-double production. However, his three-point shooting needs improvement.
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Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are excellent two-way options for fantasy, providing points, rebounds, and defensive stats.
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Jalen Duren is a rebounding machine, ideal for fantasy players looking for double-double potential.
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For bettors, the Knicks’ ability to cover spreads in close games (e.g., -6.5 in Game 1) and the Pistons’ knack for keeping games tight make them intriguing underdog picks.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Knicks advanced to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a daunting challenge given Boston’s depth and championship pedigree. Brunson’s clutch play and the Knicks’ balanced roster give them a fighting chance, but they’ll need to elevate their game.
For the Pistons, this series was a statement. After years of rebuilding, their 44-38 season and competitive playoff showing signal a bright future. Cunningham, Duren, and Harris form a strong core, and with a few tweaks (like improving their three-point shooting), Detroit could be a serious contender in 2026.
Conclusion
The Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats 2025 playoff series was a showcase of talent, heart, and drama. Jalen Brunson’s heroics, Cade Cunningham’s emergence, and the supporting casts’ contributions made this a must-watch matchup. Whether you’re a casual fan, a stats nerd, or a fantasy basketball enthusiast, the player stats from this series tell a story of two teams leaving it all on the court.