The Detroit Pistons narrowly avoided another late-game collapse, hanging on for a 106–103 victory and cutting their series deficit to 2–3 against the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference First Round matchup on April 30.
New York Knicks Top Performers:
Josh Hart 15 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST | 41.4 FPS
Hart did it all today, racking up quality numbers across the board and delivering his most efficient scoring performance of the series. He played really hard, but a bad fall late in the fourth quarter briefly forced him off the floor. While he returned, it was too late and had already cost them the game. With that in mind, his performance should see a decline in Game 6, but if he’s healthy, expect another intense all-around performance.
Karl-Anthony Towns 17 PTS | 11 REB | 2 BLK | 37.7 FPS
KAT had scored 58 points and hit 9 threes over the last two games, but was defended well today, struggling in the interior and having a hard time finding his spots. Despite that, he should remain a reliable contributor at his position and is expected to show up in a crucial Game 6.
OG Anunoby 19 PTS | 8 REB | 3 BLK | 37.1 FPS
OG responded to another rough performance by delivering at least 19 points, 3 threes, and 3+ stocks for the third time this series. His production has been noticeably up-and-down through five games, and if the pattern holds, Game 6 could bring another subpar outing. However, the team will also need him to maintain this two-way impact if they want to end the series.
Mitchell Robinson 13 PTS | 11 REB | 2 BLK | 36.2 FPS
Robinson stepped up in a major way today, with Towns struggling, delivering his third double-double of the year and his best game of the playoffs. However, his free-throw shooting remains a weakness, and the team’s inconsistent rotations make it difficult for him to put up this level of performance again.
Mikal Bridges 17 PTS | 6 REB | 1 BLK | 28.2 FPS
Bridges delivered another strong offensive performance, scoring 17 or more points for the third time in this series, though his defensive impact was quieter today. Still, he continues to contribute in other areas and should remain a highly productive option moving forward.
Detroit Pistons Top Performers:
Cade Cunningham 24 PTS | 8 REB | 8 AST | 49.6 FPS
Cunningham had his worst scoring performance of the series, but kept his output strong with a nearly flawless 11-for-12 showing at the free-throw line. He also maintained his series averages in rebounding and playmaking, while adding quality defensive value with at least 3 stocks over the last three games. He’s been the best player of the series by far, consistently performing at a high level. Fully locked in, he capped off his performance with a bold postgame promise: ‘We’ll be back’—a clear message about his confidence heading into a potential Game 7.
Tobias Harris 17 PTS | 8 REB | 4 BLK | 46.6 FPS
Harris has been the top option for the power forward position in this series, delivering strong scoring performances four times and consistently maintaining solid rebounding numbers.
Jalen Duren 9 PTS | 14 REB | 6 AST | 39.8 FPS
Duren hasn’t made much of an impact on offense, but he continues to shine defensively, averaging nearly 12 rebounds and 2 blocks, while also providing strong playmaking for his position. His impact has been crucial in this series, so expect him to continue producing quality stat lines going forward.
Ausar Thompson 22 PTS | 7 REB | 2 BLK | 36.4 FPS
Thompson came up big today on both ends. Offensively, he was nearly unstoppable around the basket, going 8-for-10 and recording his best scoring game of his career. Defensively, he was just as outstanding, putting up big numbers in his usual categories while also holding Brunson to his worst performance of the series. They’ll need another performance like this from him if they want to even the series, but his inconsistency is still a concern.
Dennis Schroder 14 PTS | 3 AST | 1 STL | 19.5 FPS
Schroder took on a much bigger offensive role today, with the team struggling on offense. It’s his third double-digit scoring performance in this series and should continue to be a key contributor off the bench.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Jalen Brunson 16 PTS | 3 REB | 7 AST
Brunson has been playing through an ankle issue throughout this series, yet he’s still managed 30+ points and 7+ assists in four consecutive games. Today, however, was a different story, as he struggled offensively and seemed visibly bothered by the injury. He’s likely to continue playing, but his performance may not be the same going forward.
