Knicks Defeat Pistons in Playoff-Caliber Matchup

New York Knicks bounce back with home win over Detroit Pistons

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 138-125 in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference matchup. Despite missing key players due to suspension, the Pistons put up a strong fight, but the Knicks' home-court advantage and balanced scoring attack proved too much to overcome.

Why it matters

This game had major playoff implications, as the Knicks and Pistons are two of the top teams in the East. The Knicks were looking to avenge their two previous losses to the Pistons this season, while Detroit was aiming to solidify their conference lead. The outcome of this game could impact seeding and potential playoff matchups down the line.

The details

The Knicks were led by a dominant performance from Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Mikal Bridges added 25 points, and RJ Barrett chipped in 22. For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham had 27 points, but they struggled without the interior presence of the suspended Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. The Knicks' defense was able to limit the Pistons' second-chance opportunities and force timely turnovers.

  • The Knicks and Pistons met for the third time this season on February 19, 2026.
  • The Pistons had previously won the first two matchups against the Knicks.

The players

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' star center who led the team with 32 points and 14 rebounds.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' leading scorer with 27 points, but missed the interior presence of the suspended Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

Mikal Bridges

The Knicks' versatile wing player who scored 25 points and played a key role on defense.

RJ Barrett

The Knicks' young star who contributed 22 points in the win.

Jalen Duren

The Pistons' starting center who was suspended for this game, impacting their interior defense and rebounding.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game, but our guys stepped up and showed their resilience. This was a big win for us as we continue to battle for position in the East.”

— Tom Thibodeau, Head Coach, New York Knicks (New York Post)

“Missing Jalen and Isaiah really hurt us on the boards and in the paint. We'll need to regroup and find a way to win these types of games without our full roster.”

— Cade Cunningham, Point Guard, Detroit Pistons (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The Knicks will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Pistons will need to find a way to win without their suspended players as they aim to maintain their conference lead.

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and talent of the Knicks, who were able to overcome the absence of key Pistons players and secure an important home win. The Knicks' balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for the shorthanded Pistons, setting the stage for a potential playoff matchup between these two Eastern Conference powerhouses.