Cunningham had 36 points and the win as the Pistons took a 124-119 decision. The Knicks got 31 points and 11 assists from Brunson while Mikal Bridges added 27 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points and 12 rebounds while playing through apparent pain after hitting his right thumb on the backboard early in the game.

Before Monday’s matchup began, Cade Cunningham stressed the importance of this game for the Detroit Pistons. He called for a rare, emergency, last-minute team meeting at the free-throw line near Detroit’s bench roughly 10 minutes before tipoff.

Pistons star Cade Cunningham shed even more light on his blossoming rivalry with 2021 NBA Draft mate, Rockets guard Jalen Green.