Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
In a striking turnaround, Cade Cunningham showcased the dominant form that fueled predictions of him being the pivotal player of this playoff series. After a subdued Game 1, the Detroit Pistons’ guard delivered a commanding performance in Game 2 against the New York Knicks, demonstrating the talent that had Knicks players fielding numerous questions about him prior to the series.
Following a quiet showing in the series opener, Cunningham erupted on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, tallying an impressive 33 points on an efficient 11-for-21 shooting display from the field. He also grabbed 12 rebounds in the Pistons’ narrow 100-94 Game 2 defeat to the Knicks, which leveled the best-of-seven series at 1-1 as it shifts to Detroit.
OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ defensive specialist, had garnered commendation for his stifling defense on Cunningham in Game 1. In that initial contest, Cunningham managed 21 points but struggled with 8-for-21 shooting and committed six turnovers, while Anunoby recorded five steals.
However, in Game 2, Cunningham consistently bypassed Anunoby off the dribble, penetrating the paint with ease. Notably, only four of Cunningham’s 21 field goal attempts originated from beyond the 3-point arc, signaling a change in approach and greater assertiveness driving to the basket.
“They implemented schemes to clear me from guarding him directly,” Anunoby acknowledged. “They utilized screens to create separation, employing tactics like that. They adapted their strategy, and we willCounter with our own adjustments.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Anunoby further commented, “They are persistently trying to screen me. They are moving during the screens, executing what could be deemed illegal maneuvers. While not every screen is necessarily illegal, they are all attempting to screen me as forcefully as possible.”
Cunningham, who averaged a robust 9.1 assists per game during the regular season, registered only three assists in Monday’s game.
Nevertheless, he encountered minimal opposition at the rim from Knicks’ centers Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, reducing his need to distribute the ball to teammates. One of his assists, however, proved pivotal: a crucial alley-oop pass to Jalen Duren, granting the Pistons a four-point advantage with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
Knicks vs. Pistons 2025 NBA Playoffs Coverage
Stay updated with the latest analysis and insights on the Knicks’ journey in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Mikal Bridges typically served as the Knicks’ primary point-of-attack defender against opposing guards during the regular season and had frequently defended Cunningham in their four regular-season matchups, with mixed outcomes.
For the initial two games of this playoff series, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has opted for Anunoby’s size and strength to defend Cunningham. This strategy proved effective in Game 1, but Anunoby’s relative lack of agility, especially on the perimeter, became apparent on Monday night.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson during Game 2.
“He is an exceptional player,” Thibodeau stated regarding Cunningham and his impactful performance. “He drew numerous fouls.”
Indeed, Cunningham attempted 12 free throws, converting 10, contributing to a significant free-throw disparity that Thibodeau vehemently criticized post-game.
Cunningham’s early scoring surge propelled the Pistons to an initial lead, which they maintained throughout the contest. Twenty of his 33 points were scored in the first half, including a personal nine-point streak in the second quarter. He also spearheaded the Pistons’ transition offense, accelerating the game’s tempo beyond the Knicks’ preferred pace.
“He’s a phenomenal player,” Anunoby reiterated. “He made some challenging shots. They executed effective plays to disengage me from closely guarding him and facilitate his drives toward the basket.”