The New York Knicks erased an eleven-point deficit in the fourth quarter, stepping up in the clutch to secure a 94-93 win and take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs Eastern First Round on April 28.
Detroit Pistons Top Performers:
Cade Cunningham 25 PTS | 10 REB | 10 AST | 57.0 FPS
Cunningham has shined in his first playoff series, recording four 20+ point games, three double-digit playmaking performances, and two double-digit rebounding games. He’s also stepped up on defense lately, racking up 10 stocks in the last two games. The only knock is his turnovers, averaging 6 per game.
Jalen Duren 6 PTS | 17 REB | 2 BLK | 35.4 FPS
Duren wasn’t much of a factor on offense today, but his dominance on defense has kept his impact strong. However, with the team down 1-3, they’ll need a bigger performance from him on both ends to have a chance at extending the series.
Tobias Harris 18 PTS | 8 REB | 1 BLK | 32.6 FPS
Harris got back on track today with another solid scoring and rebounding performance after struggling with fouls and scoring only 5 points in Game 3. With the team not having many options at his position, he should continue to be a valuable contributor moving forward.
Michael Beasley 13 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL | 23.5 FPS
Beasley hasn’t been at his best offensively over the last three games, but he remains one of the team’s most reliable shooters and should continue to play a significant role moving forward.
Tim Hardaway Jr. 14 PTS | 2 REB | 1 AST | 17.9 FPS
Hardaway has provided a solid offensive boost in the series, outside of Game 2 where he shot 0-for-8 from the field. However, his impact has mostly been limited to scoring, particularly with his three-point shooting.
New York Knicks Top Performers:
Jalen Brunson 32 PTS | 5 REB | 11 AST | 55.5 FPS
Brunson aggravated his ankle injury in the third quarter—the same injury that caused him to miss 15 games late in the season. But he fought through it, scoring 15 points in the fourth to fuel the team’s comeback. Despite not being fully healthy, he had scored at least 30 points in each of the first three games and continued the streak today, even with a significant drop in free-throw production, all while maintaining elite playmaking numbers.
Josh Hart 14 PTS | 10 REB | 4 STL| 43.5 FPS
Hart has been a steady contributor across three major categories throughout the series and elevated his play today, finishing with his 11th career playoff double-double. He’s also made a bigger impact on defense in the last two games, racking up 7 stocks and making a key defensive play in the final moments of the game when Tim Hardaway missed his potential game-winning shot. Many believed Hardaway was fouled, but no call was made. After the game, Hart admitted there was contact but stopped short of calling it a foul. The officials, however, acknowledged their mistake, stating that Hardaway should have been awarded free throws.
Karl Anthony-Towns 27 PTS | 9 REB | 1 BLK | 39.3 FPS
KAT turned it up in the final 3 minutes of the game, scoring seven points and helping his team take a 1-point lead. He has bounced back strongly after their Game 2 loss, where he put up just 10 points, and has come close to the 30-point, 10-rebound mark in the last two games while going 9-for-15 from three. His foul troubles continue to be a problem, but he should be able to maintain this level of performance in Game 5.
Mikal Bridges 8 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 27.7 FPS
Bridges couldn’t maintain his momentum today after scoring 19+ points in his last two games. Despite that, he has been a more impactful option lately, stepping up in defense with at least 5 rebounds and averaging 4 stocks in three-straight games.
OG Anunoby 8 PTS | 2 REB | 3 STL | 19.4 FPS
OG’s performances have been highly erratic in this series, alternating between 20-point games and subpar performances. His inconsistency has been most evident in his three-point shooting, with two games where he made 3 three-pointers each but going 0-for-7 in the other two. Despite the ups and downs, his defense remains strong, averaging three steals over four games.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Dennis Schroder 6 PTS | 3 REB | 3 STL
Schroder wasn’t as involved in offense today after putting up at least 18 points in their last two games. Despite some ups and downs, his all-around play should still keep him around 20 fantasy points in Game 5.
