The New York Knicks have faced unexpected struggles in the 2025 NBA playoffs, especially after trading away six first-round picks for star players Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, aiming for a championship trophy. Currently, they seem less effective compared to last year’s team, particularly during their series against the Detroit Pistons, who recently secured their first playoff victory since 2008, winning 100-94.

In their latest match, the Knicks dug themselves into a 15-point deficit, struggling with teamwork and offensive execution. Surprisingly, despite a roster rich in talent, the Pistons have been outperforming them, aided by Cade Cunningham’s impressive performance, scoring 33 points from 21 shots on Monday.

Concerns arise about how some players, including Karl-Anthony Towns, fail to contribute effectively. For example, Towns did not attempt a single shot during the crucial last minutes of their second game. The coaching staff, led by Tom Thibodeau, is under pressure to adjust their strategies as the series heads to Detroit, where a hyped-up crowd awaits.

Meanwhile, other playoff highlights include Kawhi Leonard’s stellar performance for the Clippers, scoring 39 points against the Denver Nuggets—a sign that they may be on track for a deep playoff run with a strong roster and top-tier offense.

Lastly, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s domination on court was evident in their recent 51-point victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, showing the potential stars like Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can bring to the table.