Key Takeaways:
- Cade Cunningham delivered 29 points and 13 assists as Detroit secured a 121-90 victory over New York
- Detroit ended an NBA-record 15-game postseason losing streak in their previous meeting on May 1
- The Knicks suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, with Jalen Brunson leading their scoring with 25 points
Match Recap: Pistons Dominate in First Clash Since Playoffs
The Detroit Pistons produced a commanding 121-90 win over the New York Knicks on Monday, marking their first encounter since New York ousted Detroit 116-113 in Game 6 of the opening round of last season’s playoffs. Detroit’s triumph in Game 2 of that series ended their NBA-record run of 15 consecutive postseason losses.
Taking it personally pic.twitter.com/7gTYBkidYP
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 6, 2026
Cunningham Stars as Detroit Pulls Away
Cade Cunningham orchestrated Detroit’s victory with a standout double-double, registering 29 points and providing 13 assists. Javonte Green contributed 17 points, while Jaden Ivey added 16. The Pistons carved out a 52-34 advantage in points in the paint and out-rebounded New York 44-30.
By half-time, Detroit led 64-54, bolstered by Cunningham’s 14 points and seven assists. Despite Jalen Brunson’s 17 points and New York shooting 53.8% from the field (21 for 39), including 57.1% efficiency on three-pointers (8 for 14), the Knicks trailed. Detroit had already established a 36-22 lead in points in the paint by the interval.
Second Half Surge Seals Outcome
The Pistons imposed themselves after the break, opening with a 19-5 run spanning over eight minutes. Cunningham scored 15 points and assisted on the remaining two baskets during this stint, propelling Detroit to a 24-point cushion. New York struggled offensively, missing 14 of their initial 16 shots in the half while Detroit added a further eight points in the paint.
Individual and Team Statistics
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 29 | 13 | 3 |
| Javonte Green | Pistons | 17 | 2 | 1 |
| Jaden Ivey | Pistons | 16 | 3 | 1 |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 25 | 3 | 0 |
| Miles McBride | Knicks | 17 | 2 | 2 |
| Mikal Bridges | Knicks | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Team | Points in Paint | Rebounds | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pistons | 52 | 44 | 54.7% | 51.6% |
| Knicks | 34 | 30 | 42.1% | 43.3% |
Upcoming Fixtures
- New York will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night
- Detroit continue their run of six consecutive home games by welcoming Chicago on Wednesday night
