It has been a long time since we’ve seen a different brand of Playoffs in Detroit, and many fans in Michigan would be surprised to see that their team is even in the postseason chase. But with the Detroit Pistons scoring a much-needed win over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the First Round, it seems that there’s going to be a lot of hype for the team moving forward.

Detroit has not been in the playoffs since 2019 – nor have they won a playoff game since Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics in 2008. This series of unfortunate runs by the Pistons have gone on for years. All of that finally met an end after stealing a 100-94 win over the Knicks, and the homecourt advantage in the playoff series at that.

For the first time since 2008, the Pistons have won a playoff game, ending a 15-game streak of consecutive losses in the postseason. Now the tide shifts to the Pistons, and while the odds may be stacked against them, one can say that Detroit has also found its groove and may well be on its way to getting a big run in the next two games in front of their home crowd.

Beating New York

Cade Cunningham stole the show in his duel with Jalen Brunson after he finished with 33 points and 12 rebounds, leading the way for the Pistons in coming up with a crucial win on the road and putting up one of its best games yet. Detroit led for most of the game, but a Knicks run – similar to that 21-0 run in the fourth quarter of Game 1 – tied the score at 94 before Detroit played its final baskets well and kept the Knicks from scoring again.

Learning from their collapse in Game 1, the Pistons made the big plays at the right time and ensured that they were not going to give up the biggest chance that they’ve had to win a single game. So far, it has been the story for Detroit this season – beating the odds, overcoming struggles, and proving critics wrong about their chances at being a contender in the NBA.

With the series tied at 1-1, the Pistons are looking good enough to make the most of their games at home in Game 3. Of course, they’ll have to be prepared for the Knicks’ response, especially when they held OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns to just 10 points apiece in their Game 2 win.

Big Pieces Coming Up

The Pistons had a promising and talented roster heading into this season, and Tobias Harris was one of the biggest signings who proved to be pivotal in their games. The former Sixers forward scored 15 points and 13 rebounds and was a great boost in Detroit’s win. Jalen Duren also played well in the paint and hounded the Knicks' offense as he finished with 12 points, 13 boards, and three blocks.

However, the biggest boost that the team had for this Game 2 win was Dennis Schroder – who wasn’t even a Piston until February as he was traded from one team to another. The 2023 FIBA World Cup MVP scored 20 points off the bench and even drilled the game-clinching three with 55 seconds left to play in the game.

At the right time, it seems that Detroit is clicking well. One can say that Michigan fans will have a lot to expect moving forward as they seek to deliver impressive performances and take control of the series now more than ever.