Pistons Crush Knicks 121-90, Extend East Lead to Four Games

UPDATE: The Detroit Pistons delivered a commanding performance against the New York Knicks, winning 121-90 at Little Caesars Arena on January 5, 2025. This decisive 31-point victory is the Pistons’ largest of the season, further solidifying their top position in the Eastern Conference with a four-game lead.

Cade Cunningham was the standout, scoring 29 points and dishing out 13 assists, while Jaden Ivey contributed 16 points and Javonte Green added 17 points off the bench. The Pistons’ defense was relentless, limiting the Knicks to just 36 points in the second half and forcing 20 turnovers, which resulted in 33 points for Detroit.

Despite missing key players—Tobias Harris (left hip sprain), Jalen Duren (right ankle sprain), and Caris LeVert (right knee tendinopathy)—Detroit showcased depth, with Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed stepping up as starters for the second consecutive game.

The Pistons’ momentum kicked off early with an 11-3 run. Cunningham and Knicks’ Jalen Brunson both scored 12 points in the first quarter, but Detroit’s strong second-quarter effort—scoring 34 points—allowed them to build a 10-point halftime lead at 64-54.

After halftime, Cunningham took charge, scoring or assisting on every basket during a 14-2 run that pushed the lead to 22 points. By the end of the third quarter, the Pistons were ahead 89-69, while the Knicks struggled, shooting only 22.7% from the field in that period.

Javonte Green emerged as a critical contributor, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he hit multiple three-pointers, helping the Pistons pull away decisively. His energy on both ends of the court has been vital as Detroit navigates through injuries.

Looking ahead, the Pistons will face a less formidable opponent—the Chicago Bulls—on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. Fans are eager to see if Detroit can maintain this impressive momentum.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Pistons continue their impressive run in the NBA season. Download our free app for the latest news, alerts, and analysis.