Knicks Struggle Against Pistons Again as Cade Cunningham Scores 42

Detroit reinforces its position atop the East with third win over New York this season

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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For the third time this season, the Detroit Pistons defeated the New York Knicks, this time by a score of 126-111 at Madison Square Garden. Pistons star Cade Cunningham led the way with 42 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds, as the Knicks struggled to contain him. The loss drops the Knicks to seven games behind the Pistons in the Eastern Conference standings, making their chances of securing the top seed even bleaker.

Why it matters

The Knicks' inability to beat the Pistons this season is a major concern, as it reinforces Detroit's position as the team to beat in the East. The Knicks had hoped to challenge for the top seed, but these lopsided losses have severely damaged those aspirations.

The details

Cade Cunningham dominated the Knicks, scoring 42 points and dishing out 13 assists. The Knicks' defense had no answer for him, as he consistently got to the rim and made plays for his teammates. OG Anunoby, who returned from a toe injury, struggled mightily, shooting just 3-for-13 from the field. Mikal Bridges also disappeared, scoring just 8 points before being benched in the fourth quarter. The Knicks' offense was stagnant, missing 28 3-pointers as a team.

  • The Knicks and Pistons have now played three times this season, with Detroit winning all three matchups.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star point guard who dominated the Knicks with 42 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds.

OG Anunoby

The Knicks' forward who returned from a toe injury but struggled, shooting just 3-for-13 from the field.

Mikal Bridges

The Knicks' forward who scored just 8 points and was benched for the final 9:30 of the game.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' center who had a slow start but finished with 19 points.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' point guard who led the team with 33 points and 7 assists, but also had 6 turnovers.

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What they’re saying

“That series still in my mind could have gone either way depending on some circumstances that we won't get into tonight. It was a great learning lesson for our guys, but the regular season matters, how you present yourself every single night matters.”

— JB Bickerstaff, Pistons Head Coach

The takeaway

The Knicks' inability to solve the Pistons this season is a major concern, as it puts their chances of securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference in serious jeopardy. The team will need to find a way to match the Pistons' athleticism and intensity if they hope to make a deep playoff run.