Madison Square Garden witnessed a classic playoff script flip on Saturday night as the New York Knicks mounted a breathtaking 21-0 run in the fourth quarter to snatch Game 1 of their first-round series against the Detroit Pistons, winning 123-112 after trailing for the majority of the game.
For three quarters, the Pistons looked every bit like the confident, upstart squad that had tripled their win total from a year ago and entered the playoffs riding momentum and belief. But the pressure of the postseason finally cracked Detroit’s composure, and the Knicks — led by a clutch revival from Jalen Brunson and a two-way explosion from Karl-Anthony Towns — took full advantage.
Detroit Derailed by Late-Game Collapse
The Pistons were in control for much of the contest. They had defended Brunson well, holding him to 2-of-13 shooting to start the game, and were scorching from beyond the arc — shooting over 50% from deep through three quarters. Cade Cunningham looked settled and composed after a slow start, ending with 21 points and 12 assists.
Tobias Harris was particularly strong in the first half, dropping 22 points and helping to keep the Knicks off-balance defensively. Entering the fourth with an 8-point lead, it looked like the Pistons might finally break their 17-year playoff win drought.
Then came the meltdown.
The fourth quarter opened with a disastrous five-second inbound violation, followed by a 24-second shot clock violation. A missed breakaway dunk by Ausar Thompson encapsulated the chaos — Detroit was suddenly rattled, and the Knicks could sense it.
In the blink of an eye, the Pistons’ rhythm and poise evaporated, and New York stormed back.
Knicks Clamp Down, Then Run Away
Cameron Payne’s defensive pressure sparked the initial turnover, and he followed it up with an 11-point fourth-quarter performance that gave New York a massive jolt off the bench. Towns added 23 points, 11 rebounds and four steals, playing a pivotal role during the Knicks’ momentum-swinging run. He not only hit key shots but also disrupted Detroit’s passing lanes and helped trap Cunningham at the top.
But it was Jalen Brunson who put the exclamation point on the night. After tweaking his ankle late in the third quarter and briefly exiting the game, he returned wearing different trainers and looked like a different man. Whether the change of footwear was coincidental or not, the results were undeniable: Brunson scored 12 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter and dished out three assists, operating with his trademark poise and precision.
OG Anunoby also deserves a nod, having kept the Knicks competitive during the first three quarters with his timely shot-making and defensive grit. In total, New York forced 14 second-half turnovers and turned them into transition opportunities that Detroit simply couldn’t keep up with.
Betting Tips Recap: What Hit and What Didn’t
The America Bet betting preview for this game provided a solid range of predictions — several of which aged nicely, while others came agonisingly close.
Here’s how some of the key bets fared:
❌ Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 Points – Missed by 3, but still a strong 4Q performance.
✅ Karl-Anthony Towns Double-Double – Hit: 23 points, 11 rebounds.
✅ Knicks to Win (Moneyline) – Hit comfortably.
✅ Knicks to Win by 11+ – Hit: 11-point win.
✅ Game Total Over 229.5 Points – Hit: 235 total points.
❌ Cade Cunningham Over 28.5 Points – Fell short with 21, but added 12 assists.
❌ Cunningham 4+ Threes – Missed; his focus was more on playmaking.
✅ Mikal Bridges 15+ Points – Just hit, with Bridges contributing key mid-game baskets.
✅ Knicks -6.5 Spread – Hit.
✅ Knicks to Score Over 115 Points – Hit with 123 points.
That’s seven out of ten successful tips, providing great value for punters who backed New York to come good late. Particularly profitable was the Knicks to win by 11+ points, which offered a strong payout and matched the final margin exactly.
A Tale of Two Halves
This game was more than just a win for the Knicks — it was a statement. After being humbled by Detroit three times during the regular season, New York showed maturity, depth, and resilience in the face of adversity. It also offered a glimpse of the team’s improved bench strength, with players like Payne, Anunoby, and Bridges stepping up when needed most.
For the Pistons, the result will sting. A dominant first three quarters came undone in less than five minutes of chaos. Head coach JB Bickerstaff now faces the challenge of steadying a young team that showed both promise and inexperience in equal measure. The status of Isaiah Stewart, who exited with a knee injury, only adds further concern.
Still, there’s reason for hope. Cunningham’s ability to run the offence, Harris’ hot hand, and the team’s spacing all worked well for most of the game. Game 2 will be about restoring composure and responding with intent — because as Harris rightly said, “Playoff basketball is about how you respond.”
Game 2 tips off on Monday, and if this opener is anything to go by, the series has plenty of drama left in store.
