Cade Cunningham scored 36 points and dished out eight assists to lead the Detroit Pistons (45-36) past the New York Knicks (49-32) 115-106 on Thursday night in Detroit, potentially previewing a first-round playoff matchup.
Jalen Duren added 18 points and 13 rebounds, going a perfect 9-of-9 from the field. Tobias Harris scored 17 points, and rookie Ron Holland chipped in 13 for Detroit, which snapped a four-game losing streak and strengthened its grip on the No. 6 seed in the East.
The Knicks, who were without starters OG Anunoby (thumb) and Josh Hart (knee), missed a chance to clinch the No. 3 seed. Jalen Brunson returned after briefly exiting with an ankle injury and finished with 15 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Precious Achiuwa added 18.
P.J. Tucker, signed earlier this month, played 27 minutes in just his second appearance of the season and scored three points.
Detroit outrebounded New York and scored 16 second-chance points—a response to recent struggles on the boards noted by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Dennis Schroder sealed the win with a three-point play in the final minute to push the lead to eight.
Next up, the Knicks host the Cavaliers on Friday and visit the Nets on Sunday. The Pistons face the Bucks at home Friday and finish the regular season in Milwaukee on Sunday.
