The Pistons have gained two of their previous seven video games. They’ve gone 12-26 towards groups with a profitable document.
And they’re on prime of the world coming into their first-round matchup with the Knicks.
After posting a league-worst 14 wins final season, Detroit quickly will make its first playoff look in six years, on the lookout for its first playoff recreation victory since 2008.
“It is special for us,” Pistons star Cade Cunningham informed reporters after Friday’s recreation. “We’re tremendous comfortable for the town and the fan base. [But] we’re not glad in any respect. [We’re] nonetheless hungry. We wish to go win this primary spherical.
“The chip that last year put on our shoulders, I think everybody understands that and wanted to come in and make a change.”
Although Detroit went 3-1 towards the Knicks this season, one Pistons victory got here with out Karl-Anthony Cities enjoying, whereas Thursday’s matchup got here with out OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson in motion.
Even the Pistons aren’t placing an excessive amount of inventory into these outcomes.
“The regular season is the regular season,” mentioned Malik Beasley. “Everything is different in the playoffs. We feel confident, but at the same time, they’re a great team, so we need to play our basketball … grit-and-grind basketball. We do that, I like our matchup against any team.”
The Knicks have seen what life is like with out Jalen Brunson.
Now, they’re ready to really feel the influence of getting their captain again.
Regardless of Brunson’s return final week from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for 15 video games, the Knicks have dropped three of 4 video games since reinserting their All-NBA guard into the lineup.
The Clutch Participant of the 12 months candidate has alternated two sharp, 27-point showings with a pair of inefficient 15-point efforts.
In his 4 video games again from a month-long absence, Brunson is averaging 21 factors and 5.8 assists, whereas taking pictures 43.5 p.c from the sector.
“I feel great,” Brunson mentioned after Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers. “I really feel higher. Simply persevering with to try for that, simply ensuring I’m 100% myself going into Sunday and going ahead.
“I feel like I’m past [the injury] for the most part. Obviously, it’s human nature to think about things, but for the most part, I’m past it.”
It’s unclear whether or not Brunson will swimsuit up for right now’s regular-season finale in Brooklyn — with playoff seeding set in stone — however the star guard’s needs appear clear, with the Knicks within the midst of a three-game shedding streak.
“I want to win on Sunday,” Brunson mentioned. “It’s just plain and simple.”
