Pistons Defeat Knicks 106-103, Force Game 6

The Detroit Pistons staved off elimination in their first-round playoff series by defeating the New York Knicks 106-103 in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, sending the series back to Detroit for Game 6. Cade Cunningham led the way for Detroit with a strong second half, finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Ausar Thompson contributed 22 points and seven rebounds. The game was marked by physical play, numerous lead changes, and critical late-game injuries to Knicks starters Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, who were sidelined during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter and unable to return until the final seconds. Brunson, who had carried the Knicks offensively throughout the series, was limited to just 16 points and struggled with his shooting. Despite a late rally fueled by Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, the Knicks could not overcome the Pistons' late-game execution. The Pistons now aim to become one of the few teams in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit.