Cade Cunningham's 42 points lead Pistons to season sweep of Knicks

Detroit wins third meeting between the teams by a combined 84 points

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Cade Cunningham scored 42 points, dished out 13 assists, and grabbed 8 rebounds as the Detroit Pistons defeated the New York Knicks 126-111 to complete a season sweep. The Pistons have now won 6 straight games against the Knicks, who had previously won 16 consecutive matchups. Paul Reed filled in for the suspended Jalen Duren and contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks for Detroit, which shot 51.6% from the field.

Why it matters

This game highlights the Pistons' dominance over the Knicks this season, as they won all three meetings by a combined 84 points. It also showcases the emergence of Cade Cunningham as a star player, as he recorded his third 40-point game of the season. The Knicks' struggles against the Pistons raise questions about their ability to compete with top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Cunningham made 17 of 34 shots, including 5 three-pointers, to lead the Pistons. The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson's 33 points and 8 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 11 rebounds. However, the Knicks' other three starters - Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby - combined for just 27 points. The Pistons pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Knicks 68-63 over the final two quarters.

  • The Pistons have now won 6 straight games against the Knicks, who had previously won 16 consecutive matchups.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star guard, who recorded his third 40-point game of the season.

Paul Reed

The Pistons' forward, who filled in for the suspended Jalen Duren and contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' leading scorer, with 33 points and 8 assists.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' forward, who added 21 points and 11 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game showcases the Pistons' dominance over the Knicks this season, as well as Cade Cunningham's emergence as a star player. The Knicks' struggles against the Pistons raise questions about their ability to compete with top teams in the Eastern Conference.