The New York Knicks executed a stunning comeback on Saturday night, overcoming a late deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-112 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. The Knicks came through with a scintillating show in the fourth period. They uncoiled a breathtaking 21-0 run, turning a 98-90 hole into a crevasse and establishing a whuppin’ tone over the series.
Jalen Brunson fought through still more adversity to lead the charge, scoring a game-high 34 as he spearheaded the Knicks’ comeback. Brunson had an awful first half, shooting four for 15 from the floor. Still, it was in the second half that he truly came alive. He aggravated his sprained right ankle a little less than midway through the third quarter. Even through that pain though, he wouldn’t stop playing.
The tide turned completely midway through the fourth quarter. With 9:10 to play, the Pistons were ahead 98-90. It was Cam Payne who ultimately sparked a huge 17-6 run by completing a four-point play, lighting a fire under the Knicks’ offense. Brunson made an important basket and Payne capped a 10-0 run with a three-pointer that tied the game at 98. That play started a dazzling 35-0 scoring run.
During this pivotal period, the Knicks asserted their will on both ends of the floor, as they would eventually outscore the Pistons by an eye-popping tally. By the time Detroit was able to find the end zone for a second time, New York had already taken a 13-point lead – enough for an outright win. Payne was integral to this 23-point comeback, scoring 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.
The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, despite his efforts, faced challenges against the Knicks’ defense. In taking the court for his first-ever playoff game, Young delivered 21 points and 12 assists. He couldn’t get it to go, shooting 8-for-21 for the contest. It was a smart defensive strategy that definitely held Cunningham’s ability to affect the game in a big way.
Beyond their dramatic Game 1 victory, which demonstrated their mental fortitude, New York Knicks’ momentum and confidence persists as they head into Game 2. Now that they have their first playoff win under their belt, they’ll need to play the Pistons at home again on Monday night. The stakes will be equally high as both teams look to steal some early booms in this best-of-seven series.
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