NBA Playoffs: The Detroit Pistons finally broke their playoff curse on Monday night, snapping a record 15-game postseason losing streak with a gritty 100-94 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The series is now tied 1-1 as it heads to Detroit.
Cunningham Comes Up Big
Cade Cunningham was the star of the night, dropping 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Dennis Schroder was also clutch off the bench, scoring 20, including a cold-blooded three-pointer with under a minute to play that gave Detroit the lead for good.
Tobias Harris added 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Jalen Duren chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 13 boards.
Knicks’ Late Push Falls Short
The Knicks tried to rally in the fourth quarter, just like they did in Game 1. Jalen Brunson was electric, scoring 14 of his 37 points in the final period and assisting Josh Hart for a game-tying dunk with 1:15 left. But New York couldn’t capitalize on their next three possessions, allowing Detroit to ice the game from the line.
Mikal Bridges scored 19, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were limited to 10 points apiece. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed frustration over the free-throw disparity, noting the Pistons shot 34 compared to New York’s 19.
Looking Ahead
Detroit will host Game 3 on Thursday with a renewed sense of belief and home court advantage. “We just came in and handled business,” said Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff. “Now we go home and do it again.”
Kawhi’s Masterclass Lifts Clippers Over Nuggets
Clippers even series behind Kawhi’s 39-point night
Out west, Kawhi Leonard reminded everyone why he’s a two-time NBA Finals MVP, delivering a vintage performance to lead the Los Angeles Clippers past the Denver Nuggets, 105-102, in Game 2 of their first-round series.
Leonard in the Zone
Leonard was unstoppable, scoring 39 points on an ultra-efficient 15-of-19 shooting. He set the tone early, hitting nine of his first 10 shots and drilling a buzzer-beater at halftime to put the Clippers up 55-52.
James Harden added 18 points, Ivica Zubac finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Norman Powell had 13, including a massive fourth-quarter three and a steal that helped seal the deal.
Nuggets Can’t Close the Gap
Despite a triple-double from reigning MVP Nikola Jokic (26 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists), the Nuggets couldn’t close out Game 2. Jamal Murray’s late three tied the game at 100 with just over two minutes to go, but Los Angeles responded with a Powell triple and a Leonard jumper.
Denver had chances in the final moments, but missed shots by Christian Braun and Jokic ended their hopes of a comeback.
Next Up: Game 3 in Inglewood
The series now shifts to California, where the Clippers will host Game 3 on Thursday. Leonard, who has battled injuries in recent seasons, looked every bit the playoff assassin he’s known to be. “I just stayed in rhythm,” he said postgame. “Didn’t overthink it.”
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