Detroit Pistons vs Knicks match player stats in 2026 reveal one of the most one-sided yet riveting rivalries developing in the Eastern Conference this season.
The Pistons dominated both meetings, winning by a combined margin of 75 points across the two games.
Detroit swept New York in the 2025–26 regular season series, posting a 118–80 blowout at home on February 7 and a dominant 126–111 road win at Madison Square Garden on February 20.
2025–26 Season Series: Detroit Pistons vs Knicks Match Player Stats
Detroit won both games of the 2025–26 regular season series against New York, outscoring the Knicks 244–191 across the two matchups. The Pistons brought elite shooting, deep bench scoring, and defensive intensity to both contests.
| Game | Date | Location | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Feb 7, 2026 | Little Caesars Arena (Detroit) | Detroit Pistons | 118–80 |
| Game 2 | Feb 20, 2026 | Madison Square Garden (New York) | Detroit Pistons | 126–111 |
Detroit leads the season series 2–0 and holds a 45–16 record as of March 7, 2026 — the best record in the entire Eastern Conference.
Eastern Conference Standings Context (March 7, 2026)
These two teams occupy very different positions in the Eastern Conference standings heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win % | Conference Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Pistons | 45 | 16 | .738 | East #1 (Central) |
| New York Knicks | 41 | 23 | .641 | East #3 (Atlantic) |
Detroit is the clear favorite for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. New York is a strong second-tier contender but has a significant gap to close before they can claim homecourt advantage in the playoffs.
Game 1 Final Score: Detroit 118, New York Knicks 80 (Feb 7, 2026)
Game 1 was a stunning blowout. Detroit dismantled the Knicks at home, winning by 38 points in one of the most dominant performances by any team in the league this season. The Pistons led from the opening quarter and never let New York get within striking distance.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown — Game 1
| Quarter | Detroit Pistons | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 28 | 17 |
| Q2 | 35 | 25 |
| Q3 | 27 | 18 |
| Q4 | 28 | 20 |
| Final | 118 | 80 |
Detroit led by double digits after the first quarter and kept their foot on the gas all game. The 35-point second quarter was the defining run of the blowout, where Detroit’s bench unit completely buried New York’s reserves and extended the lead to over 20 points before halftime.
Game 1 Team Stats — Detroit vs Knicks (Feb 7, 2026)
| Stat | Detroit Pistons | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 118 | 80 |
| FG% | 53.0% | 35.4% |
| 3P% | 42.5% | 24.2% |
| FT% | 86.7% | 82.4% |
| Rebounds | 49 | 48 |
| Assists | 31 | 22 |
| Steals | 10 | 6 |
| Blocks | 6 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 15 |
| Points in Paint | 40 | 34 |
| Fast Break Points | 19 | 11 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 21 | 9 |
| Bench Points | 66 | 36 |
| Biggest Lead | 43 | 4 |
| Effective FG% | 63.3% | 40.2% |
| True Shooting % | 65.8% | 44.7% |
| Offensive Rating | 124.7 | 84.7 |
| Defensive Rating | 84.7 | 124.7 |
Detroit shot an elite 53.0% from the field while holding the Knicks to just 35.4%. The bench points gap — 66 to 36 — was the most dramatic story of the game. Detroit’s reserves were simply unstoppable, turning a competitive game into a runaway well before halftime.
Game 1 Detroit Pistons Player Stats
| Player | POS | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniss Jenkins | G | 18 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 63.6% | +23 |
| Tobias Harris | F | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 45.5% | +21 |
| Isaiah Stewart | C | 15 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 85.7% | +6 |
| Cade Cunningham | G | 11 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 36.4% | +9 |
| Duncan Robinson | G | 9 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 37.5% | +7 |
| Ronald Holland II | F | 5 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 25.0% | +28 |
| Javonte Green | G | 8 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 100% | +12 |
| Kevin Huerter | G-F | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 66.7% | +6 |
| Chaz Lanier | G | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 75.0% | +2 |
Daniss Jenkins led Detroit in scoring off the bench with 18 points on 63.6% shooting and a blistering 78.7% true shooting percentage. His +23 plus/minus was the best of any Detroit starter.
Ronald Holland II was the standout two-way player with a team-leading +28 plus/minus despite scoring just 5 points. He grabbed 6 rebounds, dished 3 assists, and recorded 2 steals while anchoring Detroit’s defensive effort against the Knicks’ perimeter players.
Tobias Harris was efficient and steady with 15 points on 45.5% shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, posting a +21 plus/minus in a game where Detroit’s entire rotation contributed positively.
Isaiah Stewart was dominant in the paint, converting 5-of-5 two-point attempts and scoring 10 of his 15 points in the paint. His 95.2% true shooting percentage was the best single-game figure for any Detroit player.
Game 1 New York Knicks Player Stats
| Player | POS | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | G | 12 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 20.0% | -24 |
| Mikal Bridges | G | 19 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 43.8% | -28 |
| Ariel Hukporti | C | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50.0% | -22 |
| Landry Shamet | G | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 28.6% | -21 |
| Tyler Kolek | G | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% | -15 |
| Kevin McCullar Jr. | G | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% | -14 |
| Mitchell Robinson | C | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100% | -14 |
| Pacome Dadiet | F | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 25.0% | -4 |
Mikal Bridges was New York’s only bright spot with 19 points on 43.8% shooting and 3-of-7 from three. Every other Knick starter posted a negative plus/minus, with Jalen Brunson having the worst night of the game’s key players — 12 points on just 20.0% shooting with a -24 plus/minus.
Jalen Brunson shot 4-of-20 from the field in Game 1, a historically poor shooting performance for one of the league’s premier scorers. His 26.5% true shooting was a brutal number for a player of his caliber, and it encapsulated how thoroughly Detroit’s defense smothered New York’s offensive options.
Game 2 Final Score: Detroit 126, New York Knicks 111 (Feb 20, 2026)
Game 2 at Madison Square Garden was a far more competitive affair. New York led briefly in the first quarter, but Detroit’s deeper rotation and superior efficiency carried the day. The Pistons won by 15 on the road at one of the most hostile arenas in the NBA.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown — Game 2
| Quarter | New York Knicks | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 26 | 28 |
| Q2 | 22 | 30 |
| Q3 | 31 | 32 |
| Q4 | 32 | 36 |
| Final | 111 | 126 |
Detroit outscored New York in every single quarter. The Knicks made the game interesting in the third and fourth periods — 31 and 32 points respectively — but could never find a moment to pull even. Detroit’s ability to close games is one of their defining characteristics this season.
Game 2 Team Stats — New York Knicks vs Detroit (Feb 20, 2026)
| Stat | Detroit Pistons | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 126 | 111 |
| FG% | 51.6% | 47.1% |
| 3P% | 43.3% | 22.9% |
| FT% | 85.0% | 75.0% |
| Rebounds | 53 | 48 |
| Assists | 30 | 24 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 8 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Points in Paint | 58 | 56 |
| Fast Break Points | 18 | 16 |
| Second Chance Points | 19 | 9 |
| Bench Points | 36 | 30 |
| Biggest Lead | 19 | 7 |
| Effective FG% | 58.6% | 51.7% |
| True Shooting % | 61.9% | 55.9% |
| Offensive Rating | 119.1 | 110.6 |
| Defensive Rating | 110.6 | 119.1 |
Detroit’s 43.3% from three-point range was a significant advantage in Game 2. New York shot just 22.9% from deep despite attempting 35 threes — a game-defining disparity. Detroit’s 19 second-chance points (to New York’s 9) also showed their relentless offensive rebounding effort.
Game 2 Detroit Pistons Player Stats
| Player | POS | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Cunningham | G | 42 | 8 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 50.0% | +12 |
| Paul Reed | C | 18 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 77.8% | +14 |
| Ausar Thompson | F | 10 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 50.0% | +10 |
| Daniss Jenkins | G | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 75.0% | +5 |
| Caris LeVert | G | 8 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 50.0% | +10 |
| Javonte Green | G | 9 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 50.0% | +4 |
| Ronald Holland II | F | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% | -1 |
Cade Cunningham delivered an elite performance in Game 2 — 42 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists on 50.0% shooting. He became the first Detroit Piston to post a 40-point, 13-assist game at Madison Square Garden in the modern era. His stat line defined the series win in New York and showed why he is among the top point guards in the NBA this season.
Paul Reed was nearly unstoppable as a pick-and-roll finisher, shooting 77.8% from the field including 7-of-8 two-point attempts. He added 3 blocks and 7 rebounds in a +14 performance that gave Detroit an interior advantage New York could never match.
Ausar Thompson was outstanding on both ends — 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in a +10 outing. His defensive activity against New York’s wing players was a key reason the Knicks’ perimeter shooters were held in check for much of the game.
Game 2 New York Knicks Player Stats
| Player | POS | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | G | 33 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 60.0% | -9 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | C | 21 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 50.0% | 0 |
| Landry Shamet | G | 15 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 40.0% | -13 |
| Josh Hart | F | 11 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 62.5% | -13 |
| OG Anunoby | F | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 23.1% | +1 |
| Mitchell Robinson | C-F | 7 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 50.0% | -15 |
| Mitchell Robinson | C-F | 7 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 50.0% | -15 |
Jalen Brunson bounced back in a major way in Game 2 with 33 points on 60.0% shooting and 8 assists — a career-level performance that still wasn’t enough. His 72.9% true shooting was sensational, yet Detroit had an answer in Cade Cunningham who simply outplayed him.
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, drawing 6 fouls and shooting 100% from the free-throw line. His effort in Game 2 was the best individual performance from a Knick across the entire series.
OG Anunoby was quiet on offense (8 points, 23.1% FG%) but provided real defensive value with 4 blocks — the most of any player in Game 2. His defensive presence made a difference even as the Knicks fell short.
Player Spotlight: Cade Cunningham — Series Overview
Cade Cunningham’s two-game series against the Knicks demonstrated why he is Detroit’s cornerstone and one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference.
| Stat | Game 1 (Feb 7) | Game 2 (Feb 20) |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 11 | 42 |
| Rebounds | 5 | 8 |
| Assists | 7 | 13 |
| FG% | 36.4% | 50.0% |
| 3P% | 33.3% | 45.5% |
| +/- | +9 | +12 |
In Game 1, Cunningham was a distributor and facilitator while the bench did the heavy lifting. In Game 2, he flipped the switch and took the game over completely. His 42-point, 13-assist double-double at MSG is the single best individual performance of the entire Pistons-Knicks series in 2026.
Player Spotlight: Jalen Brunson — Series Overview
Jalen Brunson had one of the most dramatic two-game swings of any star player in the league across this series.
| Stat | Game 1 (Feb 7) | Game 2 (Feb 20) |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 12 | 33 |
| Rebounds | 4 | 6 |
| Assists | 4 | 8 |
| FG% | 20.0% | 60.0% |
| True Shooting % | 26.5% | 72.9% |
| +/- | -24 | -9 |
Brunson’s Game 1 (20.0% FG, -24) was one of the worst games a star guard has had all season. His Game 2 (60.0% FG, 33 points) was among the best individual performances in the series. Unfortunately for New York, Brunson’s brilliance in Game 2 wasn’t enough to overcome Detroit’s collective depth.
Series Shooting Leaders
Three-point shooting was one of the most significant differentials across both games. Detroit shot efficiently from deep while New York struggled to find their range.
| Team/Game | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit — Game 1 | 17 | 40 | 42.5% |
| New York — Game 1 | 8 | 33 | 24.2% |
| Detroit — Game 2 | 13 | 30 | 43.3% |
| New York — Game 2 | 8 | 35 | 22.9% |
Detroit shot 43%+ from three in both games of the series. New York hovered below 25% in both contests, a massive shooting gap that simply could not be overcome regardless of other strengths.
Bench Points: Detroit’s Hidden Weapon
One of the most underreported stories of the Pistons vs Knicks series in 2026 is Detroit’s bench depth. The Pistons’ second unit outscored New York’s reserves in both games.
| Game | Detroit Bench | New York Bench |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 66 | 36 |
| Game 2 | 36 | 30 |
| Series Total | 102 | 66 |
Detroit’s bench scored 66 points in Game 1 alone — more than New York’s entire team scored that night. Over the two-game series, Detroit’s bench outscored New York’s by 36 points, an enormous margin that illustrates why the Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Paint Dominance and Second Chance Points
Detroit outscored New York in the paint and capitalized heavily on second-chance opportunities in Game 2.
| Stat | Detroit G1 | NYK G1 | Detroit G2 | NYK G2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points in Paint | 40 | 34 | 58 | 56 |
| Second Chance Pts | 9 | 8 | 19 | 9 |
| Off. Rebounds | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 |
| At-Rim FG% | 82.4% | 68.8% | 60.0% | 64.5% |
Detroit’s 82.4% at-rim field goal percentage in Game 1 was extraordinary — they missed just 3 shots at the rim all game. In Game 2, their 19 second-chance points compared to New York’s 9 showed how physical and relentless Detroit was on the offensive glass.
Advanced Stats: Offensive and Defensive Ratings
| Game | Detroit Off. Rating | NYK Off. Rating | Detroit Def. Rating | NYK Def. Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 124.7 | 84.7 | 84.7 | 124.7 |
| Game 2 | 119.1 | 110.6 | 110.6 | 119.1 |
Detroit posted an offensive rating of 124.7 in Game 1 — elite by any standard in the modern NBA. Game 2 was tighter but Detroit still maintained a significant edge in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Across both games, the Pistons were simply the better team by every measurable metric.
Top Performers: Series Statistical Leaders
Detroit Pistons Series Leaders
| Category | Player | Best Game |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | Cade Cunningham | 42 pts (Game 2) |
| Assists | Cade Cunningham | 13 ast (Game 2) |
| Rebounds | Cade Cunningham | 8 reb (Game 2) |
| Blocks | Paul Reed | 3 blk (Game 2) |
| Steals | Cade Cunningham / Holland / Green | 2 stl each |
| Best FG% | Javonte Green | 100% (Game 1) |
| Best +/- | Ronald Holland II | +28 (Game 1) |
| Bench Scoring | Daniss Jenkins | 18 pts (Game 1) |
New York Knicks Series Leaders
| Category | Player | Best Game |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | Jalen Brunson | 33 pts (Game 2) |
| Assists | Jalen Brunson | 8 ast (Game 2) |
| Rebounds | Karl-Anthony Towns | 11 reb (Game 2) |
| Blocks | OG Anunoby | 4 blk (Game 2) |
| Steals | Jalen Brunson | 2 stl (Game 2) |
| Best FG% | Mitchell Robinson | 100% both games |
| Best Performance | Karl-Anthony Towns | 21 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast |
| Best Shooting Game | Jalen Brunson | 60% FG, 72.9% TS |
Combined Series Averages: Key Players
| Player | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | +/- Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Cunningham | DET | 2 | 26.5 | 6.5 | 10.0 | 46.0% | +10.5 |
| Daniss Jenkins | DET | 2 | 13.0 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 69.2% | +14.0 |
| Paul Reed | DET | 1 | 18.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 77.8% | +14.0 |
| Ronald Holland II | DET | 2 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 62.5% | +13.5 |
| Jalen Brunson | NYK | 2 | 22.5 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 40.0% | -16.5 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | NYK | 1 | 21.0 | 11.0 | 4.0 | 50.0% | 0.0 |
| Mikal Bridges | NYK | 1 | 19.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 43.8% | -28.0 |
| Landry Shamet | NYK | 2 | 10.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 34.3% | -17.0 |
Cade Cunningham’s 10.0 average assists across both games is a remarkable playmaking figure. Daniss Jenkins’ 69.2% series FG% from the bench is the highest of any player across both rosters who played significant minutes.
Detroit’s Path to #1 Seed
Detroit’s sweep of the Knicks was part of a larger story of dominance. The Pistons entered March 7 with a 45–16 record, the best in the Eastern Conference, with their next scheduled game against Brooklyn on March 7, 2026.
| Opponent | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks (Feb 7) | WIN | 118–80 |
| New York Knicks (Feb 20) | WIN | 126–111 |
| Oklahoma City (Feb 26) | WIN | 124–116 |
| Cleveland (Feb 28) | WIN | 122–119 |
| Orlando (Mar 1) | WIN | 106–92 |
Detroit rode a five-game winning streak heading into March, including dominant wins over playoff-caliber teams on both ends of the country. Their win over the Knicks was part of the most complete stretch of basketball any team in the league was playing at that point.
Turnovers and Defensive Pressure
Detroit’s ability to generate offense from turnovers while limiting their own was a factor in both games.
| Stat | DET G1 | NYK G1 | DET G2 | NYK G2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turnovers | 13 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| Points Off TOs | 21 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| Steals | 10 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
In Game 1, Detroit generated 21 points off turnovers while holding New York to just 9 — a 12-point swing that was nearly two possessions worth of points in a blowout. Detroit’s 10 steals in Game 1 reflected the kind of active, disruptive defense that characterizes the best teams in the league.
What This Series Means for Playoff Positioning
Detroit’s sweep of New York sent a clear message to the rest of the Eastern Conference. The Pistons are not just the best team in the East by record — they are the best team by performance and depth.
New York remains a serious playoff threat at 41–23, but their inability to compete with Detroit’s shooting efficiency (42%+ from three in both games) and bench depth exposed real vulnerabilities that playoff opponents will look to exploit.
A potential playoff matchup between these two teams would be one of the most anticipated series of the 2026 postseason. Detroit’s comprehensive dominance across both regular season games gives them the psychological edge, but the Knicks’ two-game adjustment — from 80 points to 111 — shows they are capable of making corrections. If these teams meet in the playoffs, expect a very different series than what the regular season results suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the Detroit Pistons vs Knicks games in 2026?
Detroit Pistons won both games — 118–80 on February 7 and 126–111 on February 20, sweeping the season series 2–0 against New York.
What were the Detroit Pistons vs Knicks final scores in 2026?
The final scores were Detroit 118, New York Knicks 80 (Feb 7) and Detroit 126, New York Knicks 111 (Feb 20), with Detroit winning both decisively.
Who led the Detroit Pistons in scoring vs the Knicks in 2026?
Cade Cunningham led Detroit in the series, scoring 42 points with 13 assists in Game 2 and 11 points with 7 assists in Game 1, averaging 26.5 points per game.
Who led the New York Knicks in scoring vs Detroit in 2026?
Jalen Brunson led New York with 33 points on 60% shooting in Game 2 after struggling with just 12 points on 20% in Game 1, averaging 22.5 points across the series.
How did Cade Cunningham perform against the Knicks in 2026?
Cunningham averaged 26.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game, highlighted by a 42-point, 13-assist masterpiece in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
What were Karl-Anthony Towns’ stats vs Detroit Pistons in 2026?
Karl-Anthony Towns appeared in Game 2 and posted a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds on 50% shooting, drawing 6 fouls and hitting all 6 free throws.
How did the Detroit Pistons bench perform vs the Knicks?
Detroit’s bench scored 66 points in Game 1 alone — more than New York’s total that night — and 36 in Game 2, outscoring New York’s bench 102–66 across the full series.
What was Jalen Brunson’s shooting percentage against Detroit in 2026?
Brunson shot 20.0% in Game 1 and 60.0% in Game 2 for a combined 40.0% from the field, with his Game 1 performance being one of the worst shooting nights of his career.
What are the NBA standings for Detroit Pistons and Knicks in 2026?
As of March 7, 2026, Detroit leads the Eastern Conference at 45–16 (.738) while New York sits third in the East at 41–23 (.641).
Who had the best plus/minus in Detroit Pistons vs Knicks games in 2026?
Ronald Holland II had the best single-game plus/minus at +28 in Game 1, while Cade Cunningham led in Game 2 at +12. Mikal Bridges had the worst at -28 in Game 1.
Conclusion
The Detroit Pistons vs Knicks match player stats and leaders in 2026 paint a portrait of the Eastern Conference’s most dominant team systematically dismantling a legitimate contender across two games.
Detroit swept New York with a combined +53 point differential, led by Cade Cunningham’s 42-point masterpiece in Game 2 and an extraordinary 66-point bench performance in the Game 1 blowout.
Daniss Jenkins, Paul Reed, Ronald Holland II, and Ausar Thompson all made significant contributions, reflecting a depth that no other team in the East can match right now.
For New York, Jalen Brunson’s extreme variance — from 20% shooting to 60% in consecutive games — and Karl-Anthony Towns’ double-double effort show the ceiling the Knicks possess.
But until they solve the shooting efficiency gap and the bench production deficit, they remain a level below Detroit in the Eastern Conference hierarchy heading into what promises to be a fascinating 2026 NBA Playoffs.
