The New York Knicks delivered a jaw-dropping comeback on Saturday night, erasing an eight-point deficit with a 21-0 run in the fourth quarter to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-11 in Game of their first-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson, who had struggled with his shot and appeared to tweak his ankle, exploded for points, while Cam Payne added of his in the decisive final period. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each contributed points, with Towns also grabbing rebounds in his Knicks playoff debut.
The Pistons, playing their first postseason game since, led 98-9 with just over nine minutes left, poised to snap their NBA-record 14-game playoff losing streak. But New York’s relentless defense and timely scoring flipped the script. Payne ignited the run with a three-point play, followed by a Brunson bucket and a Payne three-pointer to tie it up. The Knicks’ surge lasted nearly five minutes, leaving Detroit scoreless and the Garden in a frenzy.
Tobias Harris led the Pistons with points, but managed only three after halftime. Cade Cunningham posted points and assists but shot just 8-for-2 in his playoff debut.
Game is set for Monday night in New York, with the Knicks holding a 1-0 series lead and all the momentum.
