The New York Knicks went on a quarter rampage, winning a 123-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round Series.
Leading on a 34-point performance by Jalen Brunson and a 23-point night by Karl-Anthony Town, The New York Knicks scored a key victory at Madison Square Garden.
Tom Thibodeau, who has been criticized recently, has shown his experience in coaching on a large-scale stage.
NBA Hall of Fame Magic Johnson also praised Payne’s performance against the Pistons.
The veteran repaid his faith by dropping 14 points off the bench with 71.4% shooting from the field and a catalyst for a fourth quarter revival.
Detroit did everything right up until the fourth quarter and led the game, but the Knicks ran 21-0 in the fourth quarter, helping them get away with victory.
Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and 12 assists, but he only shot 8-21 from the field as he was protected primarily by OG Anunoby.
The Knicks player showed defensive glow with five steels and two blocks, dropping 23 points on the piston.
Anunoby was tasked with defending Cade Cunningham. CadeCunningham believes that many are one of the best young players in the league.
The Pistons player averaged 30 points against the Knicks in the regular season series, but was completely neutralised by Anunoby in Game 1.
Cunningham had six turnovers in the game, three of whom came in the fourth quarter.
Speaking about his work at Anunoby and Cunningham, Branson said:
Anunoby’s efforts on both ends of the floor pushed the Knicks to victory in a game where the Pistons had a tough fight to the end.
Kat also had a great game that praised Anunoby for his two-way brilliance in the game.
“He’s a member of all defensive teams. I’ve been saying this all year round. He’s one of the best two-way players in the NBA and he’s very talented,” the center said.
Lack of experience in the postseason was on display. The Pistons played stupidly early in the fourth quarter, opening the Knicks Gates.
There’s more left to the series, but the Knicks are hoping for Anunoby, who believes they should defend their Trophy of the Year, but they continue to drop such a performance.
His physicality is key to match the physicality of Piston, who has more left to showcase in the NBA playoffs.