Pistons vs Knicks
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The Detroit Pistons defeated the New York Knicks 121-90 on January 5th, 2026.
In a rematch of last year’s first round playoff match up, the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks faced off against each other on January 6th.
The Pistons dominated the Knicks, defeating them 121-90. It was the first match up of the season between the two teams and Pistons legend Isiah Thomas spoke on Detroit’s win over New York.
After the game, Thomas talked about his former team moving past the Knicks in terms of the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Downtown Deuce
Pistons Legend Isiah Thomas Says The Pistons Have Officially Surpassed The Knicks 🔵🔴 #DetroitBasketball
“Well right now you have to go by what the record says,” Thomas said. “And the record says they have surpassed the Knicks. The reason why is you got to look at Cade in terms of what he’s doing and how he’s been playing.
That first round match up last year in the playoffs between the two teams was an exciting series and Detroit made sure to let New York know they have not forgotten about that.
Detroit dominated New York in First Match Up of the Season
Coming into the game, the Pistons and Knicks were the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Detroit was ready for a battle and they did not back down at all.
They showed why they are the No. 1 team in the East with a complete team performance. Cade Cunningham finished with a double-double and led all scorers with 29 points and he also added 13 assists. Javonte Green added 17 points off the bench and knocked down four three’s.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points but that was not enough. Detroit did an exceptional job of holding Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby to under 10 points.
As a team, the Pistons shot 55 percent from the field and 52 percent from three. They outscored the Knicks in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Both teams will square off against each other two more times this season and both teams will be ready for a battle.
Pistons, Atop of the Eastern Conference
Through 36 games, the Pistons have a 27-9 record which is best in the Eastern Conference and the second-best record in the league.
Detroit has shown they have what it takes to make a deep run and possibly contend for a title. Isiah Thomas said that Detroit has something to prove this season after their first round exit in the playoffs last year.
“And then the chip on their shoulder from losing last year,” he said. “They’ve come into this season understanding that last year they were this close….so I think the Pistons right now are playing for home court advantage.”
Right now the Pistons are playing some of the best basketball in the NBA and the team chemistry is right where they want it to be. But this is a long season and Detroit will need to continue to play that team basketball and bring that grit mentality to each game.
Other teams throughout the league will be coming for Detroit, especially the teams in the East. So they’ll need to be ready for a dog fight each and every game.