Cade Cunningham achieved an impressive tally of 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists as the Detroit Pistons overcame the New York Knicks with a score of 106-103 in an essential Game 5, marking their first playoff participation since 2019.

Ausar Thompson contributed 22 points, while Tobias Harris chipped in with 17 points. The Pistons are aiming to tie the series at 3-3 during Game 6 on Thursday at home. A win there would set the stage for a decisive Game 7 back at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Despite their current streak of nine consecutive home game losses in the playoffs, the Pistons have excelled on the road this season, winning all their games in New York, including this series.

Cunningham declared his confidence in a post-game interview, stating, “Confident, we’ll be back.”
*Translation: “Confident, we’ll be back.”

OG Anunoby was the standout scorer for the Knicks with 19 points, attempting to lead the team to the Eastern Conference semifinals for a third consecutive year. Jalen Brunson’s performance took a hit, concluding with just 16 points after having averaged 33.3 points in the preceding games.

The game remained tied at 95 before Jalen Duren contributed with two crucial baskets, followed by Cunningham extending the lead. Injuries to Brunson and Josh Hart hindered the Knicks’ ability to respond effectively in the closing moments of the game.

Anunoby narrowed the gap to one with a three-pointer, but Cunningham secured the victory with free throws in the final seconds of play. The Knicks are now faced with the challenge of securing their first playoff series win at Detroit, where they lost the preceding two games.