With the 2025 NBA Playoffs getting intense, the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons are gearing up for a crucial Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are leading the series 3-1 and just need one more win to move on, while the Pistons are on the brink of elimination and need to bring their A-game to keep their season alive.
Series Recap and Context
Series Score: Knicks lead 3-1
Game 5: April 30, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET, Madison Square Garden
The Knicks showed their grit and star talent by pulling off a thrilling 94-93 win in Game 4 against Detroit, thanks to clutch plays from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Meanwhile, Detroit fought hard and saw Cade Cunningham achieve a historic triple-double, but now they’re in a tough spot with little room for mistakes and a challenging atmosphere on the road ahead.
New York Knicks
Key Players:
Jalen Brunson (PG): Scoring over 32 points per game in the series, with 32 points and 11 assists in Game 4, he’s known for his clutch shooting and leadership, even toughing it out with a right ankle scare during that game.
Karl-Anthony Towns (C): Scored 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in Game 4, hitting the clutch three-pointer in the last minute. Provides top-notch spacing and shot-making ability from the center spot.
Josh Hart (SF): The Knicks’ unsung hero, contributing 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in Game 4. His defensive skills and tireless effort have been key.
Mikal Bridges (SG/SF): Quick corner threes and solid movement without the ball.
Tactical Trends:
The Knicks have really stepped up in tight spots, with Brunson and Towns racking up 33 of the team’s 37 clutch points in the series, hitting 11 out of 16 shots when it mattered most.
Their offense has been lively, but they’ve sometimes had issues with turnovers and defensive matchups, which has resulted in some strategic substitutions for defense late in the game.
Detroit Pistons
Key Players:
Cade Cunningham (PG): Achieved a triple-double with 25 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in Game 4, marking just the third time it’s happened in Pistons playoff history.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (SF): The experienced scorer almost got a game-winning foul in Game 4.
Jalen Duren (C): Offers rim defense, helps with rebounding, and finishes lobs effectively.
Tobias Harris (SF): A flexible forward, crucial for adding secondary scoring and creating space.
Jaden Ivey (SG): A young player with amazing athletic skills but has had a hard time being consistent.
Tactical Trends:
The Pistons’ young players, Ausar Thompson and rookie Ron Holland II, have been focused on defensively and often find themselves open on offense, but neither has taken advantage of those chances.
Turnovers have been a constant problem: Detroit has had more turnovers than New York in every game, with 19 in Game 4 alone, including five in that critical fourth quarter.
Detroit’s defense is strong, but they struggle to score effectively when it really counts.
Matchup X-Factors
Knicks’ Clutch Offense: Will Brunson and Towns keep their late-game edge, or will Detroit make some defensive adjustments?
Pistons’ Supporting Cast: Is anyone besides Cunningham going to take charge? Keep an eye on Harris or Ivey to come out strong right from the start.
Turnover Battle: The team that handles the ball better will probably dictate the pace and result.
Bench Impact: Having depth might really matter, particularly in a tight game towards the end.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: New York Knicks 108, Detroit Pistons 101
The Knicks have the edge at home, plus their playoff experience and the top-notch shooting from Brunson and Towns should help them handle Detroit’s urgent efforts. Cunningham will likely keep the Pistons in the game, but unless their wings step up and they cut down on turnovers, New York is set to wrap up the series in five.