The Detroit Pistons were on the ropes tonight. With the New York Knicks up 3-1 in the series, a sense of desperation was needed. The urgency showed in a 106-103 victory at Madison Square Garden. That means there will be a Game 6 in Detroit with the chance to force a winner-take-all contest.
As usual, Cade Cunningham ($9,800, 50 FPTS) was Detroit’s ringleader. His 24/8/8 stat line keyed their victory, including a series of clutch buckets in the second half. The Pistons also got a great game from Ausar Thompson ($4,500, 34.75 FPTS). His usual excellent defense was supplanted with 22 points. Jalen Duren ($6,600, 39 FPTS) also found ways to contribute with his nine points, 14 rebounds and six assists.
On the Knicks side of things, it wasn’t the best night for Jalen Brunson ($8,800, 28.75 FPTS). He struggled shooting with a 4-of-16 mark. His ankle injury flared up again in the fourth quarter and he sat for the final minutes. Of course, he got to the line plenty, as roughly 875 fouls were called in the game, but it wasn’t enough.
Big performances from Mitchell Robinson ($3,400, 35.25 FPTS) and OG Anunoby ($6,300, 37 FPTS) kept them alive, with Anunoby’s massive shot at the end nearly keying a comeback. Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,600, 38.75 FPTS) was his usual reliable self, posting a double-double with more clutch shot making down the stretch. They’ll need more from their role guys if Brunson continues to be hobbled.
Detroit covered the +5.5 spread on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the game going under the 214.5 total.
Game 6 will be played in Detroit on Thursday. The Pistons open as two-point home favorites with the over/under set at 213.
