The Detroit Pistons have won only one game in the first round of the playoffs. However, their overall performance has been impressive. They lost the last two games by just two points and one point, respectively. This shows a level of competitiveness that many teams would envy. Moreover, the New York Knicks were one of the most consistent teams in the NBA Eastern Conference. They finished in third place during the regular season. Therefore, they were not an easy opponent for the Pistons.
The New York Knicks have proven their regular season success was no fluke. They have maintained one of the leagueās best defenses. Moreover, Jalen Brunson has stepped up as one of the top offensive players in the NBA. In the first four playoff games, he scored 30 points or more in each, leading the team in this crucial series.
Even though the Knicks hold the advantage, the Pistons refuse to back down. They have shown great competitiveness and nearly won the last two games. Therefore, the series remains open, and Detroit still has a real chance to stay alive.
What happens if the Pistons beat the Knicks?
The Detroit Pistons must defeat the New York Knicks to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, a win in Game 5 would not guarantee a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Trailing 3-1 in the series, the Pistons would still need two more victories to complete the comeback and advance to the next round.
Dennis Schroder #17 of the Detroit Pistons drives the ball against Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
What happens if the Pistons and the Knicks tie in the Game 5?
If the Pistons and Knicks tie at the end of regulation, they will go to overtime to decide the winner. This would mark the first extra time of the series. However, it would not be surprising since the last two games finished with very narrow margins. A decisive game like this one could easily follow the same pattern.
see also
Referee makes major admission on controversial final play involving Knicksā Josh Hart and Pistonsā Tim Hardaway Jr
What happens if the Pistons lose against the Knicks?
If the Pistons lose, they will be eliminated from the playoffs. The Knicks need only one more victory to secure their spot in the semifinals. In that case, Detroit would extend its drought to 17 straight seasons without reaching the conference semifinals. Their last deep run came during the 2007-08 season when the Boston Celtics knocked them out.
However, regardless of todayās result, the Pistons have shown signs of progress. They already improved compared to their last three playoff appearances, where they lost 0-4 each time. Meanwhile, the Knicks would reach the semifinals for the second year in a row, confirming the franchiseās steady evolution.
