Detroit Pistons' season ends in a 116-113 Game 6 loss to the New York Knicks on June 6, 2025. Cade Cunningham starred, but Jalen Brunson's late three sealed it. Read about the heartbreaking finish.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The Detroit Pistons' incredible comeback season came to a devastating end Friday night, as they fell to the New York Knicks 116-113 in a Game 6 thriller that saw a late lead evaporate in the dying minutes. Despite the gut-wrenching finish, this season marks a monumental turnaround for Detroit, a return to playoff basketball, and a clear sign of a bright future.
We led by seven with 2:35 to go... and then Jalen Brunson hit that dagger. It's a tough pill to swallow, but this team fought all year.
It was a classic playoff battle, back and forth, with the Pistons looking poised to force a Game 7. Leading by seven points with just 2:35 left on the clock, the Little Caesars Arena faithful were electric. But the experienced Knicks mounted a furious rally, outscoring Detroit 11-1 down the stretch. The dagger came from Jalen Brunson, who drained a game-winning three-pointer with a mere 4.3 seconds remaining, silencing the crowd and sealing the Pistons' fate. Cade Cunningham, as he has been all season, was magnificent, pouring in 23 points, dishing out 8 assists, and grabbing 7 rebounds. His efforts, however, weren't quite enough to overcome the Knicks' late surge.
Let's not forget where this team came from. A 30-win improvement from the previous season is nothing short of remarkable. This squad, led by a burgeoning superstar in Cade Cunningham and an increasingly confident Jaden Ivey, brought playoff basketball back to Detroit for the first time in years. Cunningham's postseason averages (23 PPG, 8 APG, 7 RPG in Game 6) solidify his status as a cornerstone and a likely All-NBA selection. The development of Ivey alongside him provides a dynamic backcourt duo that will terrorize defenses for years to come. This season wasn't just a fluke; it was a statement.
Following the emotional rollercoaster, Pistons owner Tom Gores penned an open letter to the fans. He expressed immense pride in the team's journey, thanking the city for its unwavering support throughout what he termed a 'magical season.' Gores reiterated the organization's commitment to building a true championship contender. In other positive news reflecting the team's deep Detroit roots, the Pistons announced an exciting partnership with local rap icon Big Sean and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for a special event celebrating the legendary producer J Dilla. It's a fantastic initiative that highlights the team's dedication to community engagement and Detroit's rich cultural heritage.
One bittersweet consequence of this surprising playoff run is the loss of the Pistons' 2025 first-round draft pick, which was lottery-protected. Making the playoffs, while a huge achievement, meant that pick conveyed due to prior trade conditions. While losing a first-rounder always stings, the experience gained and the leap taken this season are arguably more valuable for this young core. On a somewhat related note, former Piston James Wiseman, who played 63 games for Detroit last season, is now just four wins away from his second NBA championship ring with the Indiana Pacers (though he was traded to Toronto mid-season, his early contributions make him eligible).
While the sting of this Game 6 loss will linger, it shouldn't overshadow the monumental leap forward the Pistons took this season. The foundation is set, the stars are emerging, and the future is undeniably bright in the Motor City. Get ready for an exciting offseason and an even stronger Pistons team next year.
