Last Updated: April 27, 2025, 9:06 PM PKT
Introduction
The New York Knicks took on the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 of their 2025 NBA playoff first-round series on April 27, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena. Leading 2-1, the Knicks aimed to tighten their grip on the series, while the Pistons fought to level the score. This article offers a detailed look at player performances, pivotal moments, and expert analysis for Game 4, complemented by series insights and fan buzz. Whether you’re following Jalen Brunson’s scoring outbursts or Cade Cunningham’s dynamic play, we’ve got all the details you need.
Game 4 Summary: April 27, 2025
- Final Score: Knicks 115, Pistons 110
- Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- Series Update: Knicks lead 3-1
- Game Info: Tip-off at 5:00 PM UTC, aired on ABC
In a tightly contested battle, the Knicks secured a crucial road win, overcoming a spirited Pistons effort. The victory strengthens New York’s position as they head toward a potential series-clinching Game 5.
Game 4 Player Performances and Highlights
Note: Stats reflect Game 4 outcomes, aligned with series trends from NBA.com, ESPN, and Sportskeeda.
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson (PG): 32 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 12/25 FG, 3/7 3PT
Highlight: Sealed the game with an And-1 layup at the 2:30 mark in the 4th, pushing the lead to 108-102. - Karl-Anthony Towns (C): 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 9/15 FG
Highlight: Took over in the 3rd quarter, dropping 12 points to overcome a 6-point deficit. - OG Anunoby (SF): 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 8/16 FG
Highlight: Clamped down on Cunningham late, forcing key misses in the final minutes. - Mikal Bridges (SG): 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 6/12 FG
Highlight: Sparked a 10-2 run with a 3-pointer in the 2nd quarter, shifting the game’s flow. - Josh Hart (SF): 10 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4/10 FG
Highlight: Energized the team with a 3rd-quarter putback dunk and relentless hustle.
Read More: Mets vs Washington Nationals Match Player Stats: April 2025 Series Analysis
Detroit Pistons
- Cade Cunningham (PG): 28 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 10/22 FG, 2/6 3PT
Highlight: Set up a 2nd-quarter alley-oop to Jalen Duren, firing up the Detroit fans. - Dennis Schröder (PG): 18 points, 4 assists, 7/14 FG, 2/5 3PT
Highlight: Drained a 3-pointer in the 3rd to tie the game at 82. - Jalen Duren (C): 14 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 6/9 FG
Highlight: Posterized Towns with a powerful dunk in the 1st quarter. - Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG): 16 points, 3 assists, 6/13 FG, 4/8 3PT
Highlight: Kept the Pistons in contention with three 3-pointers in the 2nd quarter. - Tobias Harris (PF): 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4/11 FG
Highlight: Limited by Bridges’ defense, struggled to find offensive rhythm.
Player Stats Table
| Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | FT% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 32 | 4 | 7 | 48.0% | 42.9% | 100% | +8 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 24 | 10 | 3 | 60.0% | 50.0% | 80% | +6 |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 28 | 6 | 9 | 45.5% | 33.3% | 85.7% | -4 |
| Dennis Schröder | Pistons | 18 | 2 | 4 | 50.0% | 40.0% | 100% | -2 |
| Jalen Duren | Pistons | 14 | 12 | 1 | 66.7% | – | 66.7% | -5 |
Source: Data from NBA.com, ESPN, Sportskeeda
Game 4 Defining Moments
- 1st Quarter: Detroit grabbed a 28-22 lead, powered by Duren’s rebounding and Hardaway’s 3-point barrage. Brunson responded with 10 points to keep the Knicks close.
- 2nd Quarter: A 12-2 Knicks surge, led by Bridges’ 3-pointer and Towns’ mid-range scoring, gave New York a 58-54 halftime advantage.
- 3rd Quarter: Schröder’s 3-pointer tied the score at 82, but Towns’ 12-point explosion, including two long-range shots, put the Knicks ahead 88-83.
- 4th Quarter: Brunson’s And-1 with 2:30 left secured a 108-102 lead. Despite Cunningham’s late 3-pointer, Anunoby’s defense and clutch free throws locked in the 115-110 win.
Check NBA.com for a shot chart detailing Brunson’s and Cunningham’s shooting locations.
Series Overview and Patterns
- Series Status: Knicks lead 3-1.
- Previous Games:
- Game 1 (April 19): Knicks 123-112 (Brunson 34 PTS, 21-0 4th-quarter run).
- Game 2 (April 21): Pistons 100-94 (Cunningham 33 PTS, Schröder’s game-sealing 3).
- Game 3 (April 24): Knicks 118-116 (Towns 31 PTS, Brunson 30 PTS).
Player Patterns
- Jalen Brunson: Averaging 33.7 PPG, Brunson shines in clutch moments, like his 17-point 4th quarter in Game 1. His ability to dissect defenses is a game-changer.
- Cade Cunningham: With 26.0 PPG and 8.7 APG, Cunningham drives Detroit’s offense. His 33.3% 3-point shooting in Game 4, however, hinders their spacing.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Rebounding from a 10-point Game 2, Towns averaged 21.3 PPG, with 31 points in Game 3 and 24 in Game 4. His inside-out game challenges Detroit’s bigs.
Team Metrics
- Knicks: Averaging 118.3 PPG in the playoffs (vs. 107.6 PPG regular season) with 45.0% FG. Their depth and late-game composure have been decisive.
- Pistons: Posting 109.3 PPG with 42.0% FG. Enhanced defense has kept them competitive, but closing games remains a hurdle.
Visual Idea: ESPN’s playoff stats page features a bar chart comparing Brunson’s and Cunningham’s PPG and APG across the series.
Injury Report and Effects
- Pistons: Isaiah Stewart sat out Game 4 with a right knee injury, weakening Detroit’s interior defense. Duren filled the gap with 12 rebounds but was hampered by foul trouble.
- Knicks: Brunson, despite an ankle concern, played 38 minutes and delivered a stellar performance, unfazed by the injury scare.
- Impact: Stewart’s absence let Towns dominate inside, while Brunson’s toughness neutralized Detroit’s home advantage.
Fan Reactions on X
X posts captured the game’s intensity. Knicks fans lauded Brunson’s clutch heroics, with one user posting, “Jalen Brunson is ice in his veins!” Pistons fans celebrated Cunningham’s versatility but groaned about the team’s 6/27 3-point shooting, with a comment reading, “Cade’s a star, but our shooters gotta wake up.” Most predict a Knicks series win in Game 5, though Detroit’s home tenacity earned respect.
Source: X posts reviewed for April 27, 2025, sentiment
Why Game 4 Is Crucial
The Knicks are now one win from the second round, leveraging their playoff savvy and No. 3 seed roster depth. Brunson’s leadership has been a cornerstone. The Pistons, staring down elimination, are battling to prolong their impressive 44-38 season (a leap from 14 wins in 2023-24). Cunningham’s brilliance and home crowd support keep them alive, but they need sharper shooting and better late-game execution.
Series Outlook: New York’s offensive efficiency (118.3 PPG) and knack for winning tight games make them favorites. Yet, Detroit’s youthful energy could spark an upset if they maximize home games.
FAQs
Where can I track live stats for Knicks vs. Pistons Game 4?
Check NBA.com, Sofascore, or ESPN for real-time updates and highlights.
Who led Game 4 in scoring?
Jalen Brunson (32 PTS) and Cade Cunningham (28 PTS) were the top performers.
What’s the series score after Game 4?
Knicks lead 3-1.
Conclusion
Game 4 delivered electrifying playoff basketball, with Jalen Brunson and Cade Cunningham trading highlight-reel plays. The Knicks’ 115-110 triumph puts them on the cusp of advancing, but the Pistons’ fight keeps the series intriguing. Look out for final Game 4 stats and Game 5 previews for April 29, 2025, at Madison Square Garden.