
NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #3
10 months ago
Hart’s role for the Knicks is simply to do whatever they need. In this game, they needed him to score more, and he did just that. In a low-scoring affair, Hart led both teams in scoring to help the Knicks go up 2-0 in this series, which will now shift back to New York. Hart played 43 minutes after logging 45 minutes in Game 1 and will continue to play the majority of each game for the rest of New York’s postseason run.

NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
10 months ago
After a quiet performance in Game 1, Towns made a much larger impact on Wednesday to help the Knicks take a commanding 2-0 lead in this series, which will now shift to New York for Games 3 and 4. Head coach Tom Thibodeau utilized a two-center lineup with Towns and Mitchell Robinson for 12:43, and they outscored Boston by 14 points during that stretch. We’ll see if Thibs continues to utilize a taller lineup moving forward, especially if Kristaps Porzingis continues to battle this illness.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
It was a rough night overall for Brunson, but he still came up big when the game mattered most. He scored the final six points for the Knicks, which included the bucket that finally gave them the lead. The series will now shift to New York with the Knicks leading 2-0. Brunson’s subpar night didn’t cost them on Wednesday, but he’ll need to be much better in Game 3 if they want to defend homecourt on Saturday.

NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #25
10 months ago
In this series, Bridges has been worth every first that New York had to trade away to acquire him. After ripping the ball away from Jaylen Brown to seal the Game 1 win, Bridges stole the ball from Jayson Tatum in the final seconds of Game 2 to give the Knicks a 2-0 lead as they head back home for Games 3 and 4. It was a rough first three quarters offensively for Bridges, but he scored all 14 of his points in the final frame. The box score doesn’t show just how impactful Bridges has been in this series, especially in the clutch.

NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #25
10 months ago
Having last missed a basketball game during his junior year of high school, Bridges has been the NBA’s “iron man” since entering the league. However, that may have been extreme on Monday, as the Knicks wing played 51 of a possible 53 minutes. Bridges was fresh enough to make the game’s deciding play, as he ripped the ball away from Jaylen Brown before the Celtics guard could attempt a potential game-tying three-pointer. Bridges did not shoot the ball well, but he was impactful as a defender and playmaker to help the Knicks steal Game 1. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #3
10 months ago
Hart entered Monday having collected at least 10 rebounds in 42 games, including three during the Knicks’ first-round series against Detroit. He had another such performance in Monday’s series opener, with five rebounds being of the offensive variety. Hart finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line, as his fingerprints were all over a game the Knicks trailed by as much as 20 before rallying for the overtime win. New York will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.

NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
10 months ago
Anunoby and Jalen Brunson shot a combined 11-of-20 from three in Game 1, with the former making four of his six three-pointers after halftime. And OG’s performance was a welcome development for the Knicks, given his struggles against the reigning champs during the regular season. Appearing in three of the four games, Anunoby averaged 9.0 points per game on 29.6 percent shooting. The version of Anunoby who showed up on Monday is the one New York will need if they are to have a chance of winning this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Brunson did not have the best night shooting-wise, but he and the Knicks were good enough to erase a 20-point deficit in Game 1. And the three-point line had much to do with New York’s victory. Despite the Celtics attempting 60 three-pointers to New York’s 37, the Knicks were a plus-6 in points from beyond the arc. Brunson was 6-of-10 in the third and fourth quarters, serving as an offensive catalyst for the East’s third seed. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.

DET • Guard • #5
10 months ago
Beasley provided a spark in the first half as he came off the bench and made six threes. Five of his threes came in the second quarter, which the Pistons won by 16. Beasley’s biggest shot was a buzzer-beater before the end of the first half, which gave the Pistons as two-point lead. With the Pistons down three at the end of the fourth quarter, Beasley couldn’t corral a pass from Cade Cunningham, resulting in a turnover and sealing the win for the Knicks. The 28-year-old shooting guard is set to hit free agency this offseason, but Beasley has expressed interest in staying with the Pistons and an agreement on a contract that makes sense for both sides wouldn’t be surprising.

DET • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #2
10 months ago
While Cunningham led the Pistons in scoring with 23 points, he didn’t have his best game offensively in what was a must-win game for the Pistons. He was more successful on drives to the basket, while his three-point shooting left much to be desired. Only Malik Beasley had more than one three-pointer for Detroit, with Cunningham missing all eight of his three-point attempts. It was a frustrating end to what was ultimately an inspiring season from both Cunningham and the Pistons as a team.

NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
10 months ago
With Karl Anthony-Towns scoring just 10 points in a subpar effort in Game 6, Anunoby was one of the Knicks who stepped up to provide offense. While both teams were desperate for scoring, Anunoby’s four three-pointers were crucial for the Knicks. The 27-year-old small forward is a true two-way player, and his impact was also felt on the defensive end with two blocks and three steals. Anunoby will continue to be counted on heavily in the Knicks’ upcoming second-round series against the Celtics.

NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #25
10 months ago
Bridges’ three-point shooting struggles continued Thursday as he went 1-of-4 from behind the arc, but his 25 points were critical for a Knicks team desperate for scoring from anyone not named Jalen Brunson. Bridges was 10-of-12 on two-point field goals and none was bigger than his game-tying left-handed tip-in with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. The Knicks are going to need more consistent offensive performances from Bridges if they’re going to have any chance of getting past the Celtics in round two.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Brunson put the Knicks on his back as he closed out the Pistons on the road in Game 6. The 28-year-old point guard turned in his eighth career 40-point game in playoffs. Brunson leads the playoffs in points, 30-point games and points in the fourth quarter. With the shot clock off in a tie game at the end of the fourth quarter, Brunson shook free from Ausar Thompson and drained a three, his third of the game, to give the Knicks the lead with under five seconds left. It was a pivotal victory for the Knicks as New York will now have a few days off before beginning their second-round series with the Celtics.

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart appeared at Pistons shootaround Thursday afternoon, his first basketball activity since leaving Game 1 against the Knicks with a knee injury. Still, the 23-year-old center isn’t available for Game 6 as he’s set to miss his fifth game in a row. The Pistons are in a must-win situation Thursday and will have to roll with Paul Reed again as the backup center to Jalen Duren.

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart has missed Detroit’s last four games but could return for the final game in Detroit of this series. The Pistons must win to stay alive, but that wasn’t enough of a factor for Stewart to play through the injury in Game 5. If he remains out, Paul Reed will continue to fill out the backup center minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Center • #23
10 months ago
Robinson, who totaled eight points in the first four games of the series, had his best performance in Game 5. He recorded a double-double and four “stocks,” providing solid value off the bench. While foul shooting remains an issue, with the Pistons intentionally fouling Robinson on multiple occasions, the Knicks are aware of what they have in their reserve center. He’ll need to produce a similar effort in Game 6 on Thursday, especially if the Pistons can get Isaiah Stewart (knee) on the court. He has not played since Game 1.

NYK • Small Forward and Power Forward • #8
10 months ago
Anunoby was one of two Knicks starters to shoot 50 percent or better from the field, with Josh Hart being the other. Unfortunately for him, OG only attempted 13 shots, with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges (17/6/2/0/1 with two three-pointers) leading the way with 16 attempts each (they were a combined 11-of-32). Anunoby has also taken on the unenviable task of defending Cade Cunningham more than any other Knick, and he has impacted the Pistons’ point guard’s efficiency. New York will need another strong effort from Anunoby in Game 6 on Thursday.

NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
10 months ago
After dropping 58 points in the Knicks’ two victories in Detroit, Towns was held in check by the Pistons in Game 5. A reason for this was the decision to leave Tobias Harris on KAT as his primary defender, avoiding extended periods in which Jalen Duren took on the responsibility. Harris was outstanding defensively, challenging most of Towns’ looks and making it difficult for him to establish a presence on the low block. Also, the absence of pick-and-rolls with Jalen Brunson did not do Towns any favors. The Knicks should utilize that action much more in Game 6 on Thursday, as they look to end the series.

NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #3
10 months ago
Hart recorded a complete stat line on Tuesday, which included him shooting over 50 percent from the field for the first time since Game 1. Unfortunately, he suffered a lower back injury due to an awkward fall during the fourth quarter. The Knicks trailed by two when Hart and Jalen Brunson (ankle) exited with 2:57 remaining, and Detroit would extend its lead to six by the time those two returned with 27.1 seconds remaining. It’s fair to assume Hart will do everything he can to be on the court for Game 6 on Thursday, but he will undoubtedly be sore on Wednesday morning.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Harassed by Pistons defensive ace Ausar Thompson for most of his time on the court, Brunson shot 3-of-12 from inside the arc in Game 5. Making matters worse was the Knicks’ point guard aggravating his right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. With New York trailing by two when Brunson and Josh Hart had to exit due to injuries, the Pistons extended their lead to six before the two starters returned to the game with 27.1 seconds remaining. There’s no doubt that Brunson will do his best to play through the ankle injury, but it becomes more concerning the longer this series lasts. Game 6 is on Thursday in Detroit.

DET • Power Forward and Small Forward • #12
10 months ago
Harris has been the Pistons’ best defensive matchup for Knicks big Karl-Anthony Towns, even on nights when KAT goes off. Tobias was outstanding defensively in Game 5, with the six “stocks” being the most he’s recorded in a game this series, and Towns shot 5-of-14 from the field. The veteran Pistons forward was also solid offensively, stepping up in a big way to extend the series to Game 6. Detroit will host the Knicks on Thursday night, and Little Caesars Arena is expected to be electric.

DET • Small Forward • #9
10 months ago
For the first time in this series, Thompson managed to make the Knicks pay for their willingness to leave him alone offensively. The second-year wing took full advantage of the dunker spot in Game 5, with either Cade Cunningham or Jalen Duren (9/14/6/0/2 in 33 minutes) finding him for layups or dunks. Thompson did not shoot well from the foul line, but the improved offensive production made it easier for Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff to leave him on the court in crunch time. Detroit will need a similar effort from Thompson in Game 6 on Thursday if they’re to force a decisive seventh game.

DET • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #2
10 months ago
Cunningham did not have the most efficient night, shooting well below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. However, he made frequent visits to the foul line to boost the point total, and the Pistons’ improved ball control overall factored into their win on Tuesday. Cunningham still recorded a complete stat line, but he has committed at least five turnovers in all five games of the series. Thanks to their victory, the Pistons get another chance to face the Knicks at home, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday night.

NYK • Shooting Guard • #44
10 months ago
Added to the Knicks’ injury report earlier Tuesday afternoon, Shamet will be available for Game 5. However, he totaled 10 minutes in Games 2 through 4, so he may not figure prominently in New York’s bench rotation.
Source: Stefan Bondy

NYK • Shooting Guard • #44
10 months ago
Shamet is a late addition to the injury report for Game 5, which is a concerning development regarding his availability for the game. After playing 10 minutes in Game 1, he logged a total of 10 minutes in the next three contests. Shamet’s absence would not be highly impactful if he’s unable to play.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart has not appeared in a game since the series opener on April 19 due to an inflamed right knee. Beef Stew is left to hope his teammates can force a Game 6 as they go into Tuesday trailing by three games to one. Paul Reed will continue to serve as Jalen Duren’s backup, but he’s unlikely to surpass 15 minutes in that role.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart logged 19 minutes in Game 1 and has missed the last three games of the first-round series with New York. Should Stewart miss Game 5, Paul Reed should continue to pick up additional minutes in his absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Center and Power Forward • #32
10 months ago
KAT made the most important bucket of the night from long distance to give the Knicks a 94-93 lead in the fourth quarter. The star big man has bounced back in a big way after scoring just 10 points in Game 2. He’s made nine of his previous 14 shots from beyond the arc and will look to continue stretching the floor with his sharpshooting in Game 5.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Brunson had an injury scare in the third quarter but was crucial in the final frame when his team secured a comeback victory. The star point guard scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to help New York edge out Detroit in a low-scoring contest. He’s scored at least 30 points in every game of the first-round series.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Brunson is back on the hardwood after spending the final two minutes of the third quarter in the locker room with an ankle injury. He checked back roughly two minutes into the fourth quarter and will look to fuel his team’s comeback.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Brunson is back on the hardwood after spending the final two minutes of the third quarter in the locker room with an ankle injury. He checked back in roughly two minutes into the fourth quarter and will look to fuel his team’s comeback.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Brunson appeared to tweak his right ankle in the closing minutes of the third quarter during Game 4 against the Pistons. He returned to the bench ahead of the fourth quarter and appears poised to make his return to the contest.

NYK • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #11
10 months ago
Brunson appeared to tweak his right ankle in the closing minutes of his team’s Sunday matchup with the Pistons. He returned to the bench ahead of the fourth quarter and appears poised to make his return to the contest.

NYK • Center • #23
10 months ago
Robinson has overcome his illness and will be available for Sunday’s game against the Pistons. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to carry his usual workload, so there’s still a chance Precious Achiuwa could take on a minor role off the bench.

NYK • Center • #23
10 months ago
Robinson’s status for Sunday is still up in the air. The Knicks big man has provided some key rim protection and rebounding off the bench, but is dealing with an illness. Precious Achiuwa could enter the rotation if Robinson isn’t good to go to wrap up the weekend.

NYK • Center • #23
10 months ago
Robinson’s status for Sunday is still up in the air. The Knicks big man has provided some key rim protection and rebounding off the bench, but is dealing with an illness. Precious Achiuwa could enter the rotation if Robinson isn’t good to go to wrap up the weekend.

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart is set to miss his third straight playoff game on Sunday. The backup center’s knee isn’t recovering quickly, so Paul Reed should continue to pick up the slack as a bench contributor in Game 4.

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart is set to miss his third straight playoff game on Sunday. The backup center’s knee isn’t recovering quickly, so Paul Reed should continue to pick up the slack as a bench contributor in Game 4.

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart has missed the last two games of this series, with Paul Reed replacing him in the rotation. The Pistons would stick with that adjustment if Beef Stew misses Game 4. His absence also means more playing time for starter Jalen Duren, provided he stays out of foul trouble.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Center • #23
10 months ago
Despite Robinson missing Saturday’s practice with an illness, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said he expects the backup center to be available on Sunday. If he’s unable to play, Precious Achiuwa will likely enter the rotation. While he is active offensively, the Knicks take a hit defensively when Achiuwa replaces Robinson in the lineup.
Source: Fred Katz

DET • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
10 months ago
Schroder’s play on both ends of the floor is one reason why the Pistons have been highly competitive in their first postseason appearance since 2019. After scoring eight points in Game 1, he totaled 38 in Games 2 and 3, making plays on and off the ball. Also, Schroder has done a good job of defending Jalen Brunson when his name has been called, even if the Knicks point guard made some big plays down the stretch on Thursday. Schroder and the Pistons will look to even the series on Sunday when they host Game 4.

DET • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #2
10 months ago
Cunningham recorded a complete stat line in Game 3, but the Knicks did a better job of making him work for his offense than in Game 2. He shot 40 percent from the field, which isn’t terrible, but he also had six turnovers on the night. To avoid falling into a 3-1 hole on Sunday, the Pistons will need Cunningham to be at his best. And overall, he’s played exceptionally well in his first postseason appearance.

DET • Center • #0
10 months ago
Duren’s stat line was not as robust as it was in Detroit’s Game 2 victory, but the third-year center has played well thus far. Foul trouble cut into Duren’s minutes slightly during the second half. Paul Reed once again assumed the backup center role with Isaiah Stewart (knee) out, and he recorded four points, eight rebounds and one block in 16 minutes. Duren and Reed will remain in Detroit’s big man rotation if Stewart is unable to play in Game 4 on Sunday.

DET • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #8
10 months ago
This series has been a roller coaster of sorts for Hardaway, who’s facing the franchise that selected him in the first round of the 2013 draft. After scoring 19 points in Game 1, he was scoreless on 0-of-8 shooting in Monday’s Game 2 victory. Returning home worked wonders for Hardaway, even if his performance was not part of a Pistons’ victory. Inconsistent shooting was an issue for him throughout the regular season, so it would be unsurprising if THJ struggled in Game 4 on Sunday. That said, the Pistons need him to be at his best if they’re to even the series.

NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #25
10 months ago
After scoring eight points in New York’s series-opening victory, Bridges totaled 39 in Games 2 and 3. He did a bit of everything on Thursday, recording a complete stat line while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With the Knicks looking to give Jalen Brunson the occasional respite while on the court, Bridges has done a little more in the way of playmaking in this series. That has not resulted in an explosion in the assist category, but it has ensured that Bridges remains involved offensively. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.

NYK • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #25
10 months ago
After scoring eight points in New York’s series-opening victory, Bridges totaled 39 in Games 2 and 3. He did a bit of everything on Thursday, recording a complete stat line while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With the Knicks looking to give Jalen Brunson the occasional respite while on the court, Bridges has done a little more in the way of playmaking in this series. That has not resulted in an explosion in the assist category, but it has ensured that Bridges remains involved offensively. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.

DET • Center and Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Stewart will miss a second straight game due to right knee inflammation, leaving the Pistons down a player within their frontcourt rotation. Paul Reed will serve as the backup center, while starter Jalen Duren’s minutes will increase. Reed only played 11 minutes in Monday’s Game 2 victory but led the Pistons in plus/minus.
Source: NBA Injury Report