The Pistons started their post-All Star stretch strong with a 15-point win over the Knicks, but this victory sent a wider message than just one game. It featured a transcendent performance from rising star Cade Cunningham including 42 points, 8 rebounds and 13 assists. Most importantly, Detroit did all this without two of their best players in Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. This win also completed a 3-0 season sweep from an alleged rival vying for Eastern Conference supremacy.
The Pistons have had the Knicks' number all season
Since losing to New York in the playoffs, the Pistons have been set on vengeance. This is their third straight blowout win over the Knicks - the prior two had margins of over 30 points. Dominating another top East team without important players in Duren and Stewart further asserts the Pistons' dominance in this matchup.
The Knicks might have been hoping for less physicality from the Pistons without their top two centers. But backup Paul Reed filled in brilliantly as a starter. He had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 big blocks while going toe-to-toe with All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns on the other side. As usual, Reed was able to carry the Pistons' team spirit perfectly with his tough playing style.
As the Pistons enter the final stretch of the regular season, their eyes will be set on the playoffs. The Knicks have high playoff ambitions of their own, and could get a rematch with the Pistons in a later round. With this outcome closing out the season series, that's the last thing New York will want.
It's been clear from every showdown between these two teams that the Pistons have certain undeniable advantages. For one, their level of physicality simply overwhelms the Knicks. The Knicks are reliant on a small point guard in Jalen Brunson to initiate offense. But the Pistons are able to lock him down with their size and athleticism, especially when Ausar Thompson is guarding him.
Another obvious advantage is Cade Cunningham himself. The Knicks have a slew of wing defenders - OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart - who can generally hold opposing guards at bay. But Cade's uniquely unstoppable repertoire gives him the upper hand. With his tight handle, change of pace and size, Cade can get whatever he wants even against New York's elite defenders.
The Pistons already had the advantage against the Knicks this season, but beating them without 2 of their top 6 players puts the nail in the coffin. Without any more chances to get a win against Detroit this season, the Knicks must now hope against hope that they can make a deep playoff run without running into the Pistons.