Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons are moving to Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers following the Pistons’ 115-94 win Friday night win in Cleveland.
Now, the two face each other one final time this season on Sunday in Detroit. The team who wins will face Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
While this series could go either way, Sunday’s game being in Detroit slightly tips the scales in favor of the Pistons. Of course, anything can happen, but let’s say the Pistons do win. Then, Brunson and the Knicks have something extra to worry about.
Why Knicks Should Be Worried About a Pistons Game 7 Victory
For one, there’s recent history. The Knicks eliminated the Pistons in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, and that’s still fresh in the minds of this Pistons team. Detroit even had billboards taunting Brunson when the Knicks rolled into the city for the series. Then, the Knicks took the series, dashing the hopes of Detroit.
The Pistons remember that feeling of getting eliminated by the Knicks, because many of the same players are on this squad. They don’t want it to happen again. So, consider them extra motivated.
More sports news: Raiders Urged to Find Solid Targets for Fernando Mendoza, Kirk Cousins
More sports news: It’s Difficult to Find Much Wrong With the Rams Ahead of 2026
Another reason the Knicks should pray to face the Cavs instead of the Pistons is simply because of Detroit’s ability to come back in times of adversity. That’s a valuable skill during the playoffs and one of the most valuable.
Just look at the Pistons’ series against the Magic. They dug themselves into a hole and overcame it with three consecutive wins to take the series.
Finally, Cunningham is another reason the Knicks should fear the Pistons. Cunningham is serious and determined to take this franchise to the next level. Not next season. Not the season after that. He sees it happening now, in the moment.
Following the Pistons’ win on Friday, where he clocked 21 points, Cunningham was already looking to the future and to “move on.”
“I’m looking forward to the energy, the opportunity, just getting back to the city with an opportunity to do something special, win in front of our home crowd, and move on,” Cunningham said after the game.
So, it hasn’t happened yet. But, if the Pistons advance, the Knicks have a few extra reasons to lose sleep at night.
Read the full article here
