Cade Cunningham adds to MVP case with 42 points vs. Knicks

Cade Cunningham delivered a commanding performance in Madison Square Garden, scoring 42 points and handing out 13 assists as the Detroit Pistons beat the New York Knicks 126-111 to complete a regular-season sweep. The result — the third decisive Pistons victory over New York this season — deepens Detroit’s momentum and casts fresh doubt on the Knicks’ defenses.

Cade Cunningham's dominant box score

Cunningham finished with 42 points on 17-of-34 shooting, including 5-of-11 from three, along with 13 assists and eight rebounds. In one of the night’s defining stretches he scored 14 points in the first quarter and closed the first half with a string of scoring and playmaking that pushed Detroit’s lead into double digits. He later hit a stepback 3 and converted a transition alley-oop that stretched the lead in the fourth.

How Detroit beat New York

The Pistons produced the victory despite missing their top centers, deploying Paul Reed and Tolu Smith up front. Reed started and contributed 18 points, stepping into the middle to counter New York’s size. Detroit’s scoring balance and Cunningham’s ability to create off the dribble forced the Knicks into uncomfortable defensive matchups; New York’s usual defensive form — including a recent stretch as the league’s top defense over 12 games — failed to contain the Pistons’ spacing and ball movement.

Sweep, margins and matchup notes

Detroit won all three regular-season meetings by a combined margin of 84 points, producing lopsided results of 31, 38 and 15 points in the series. On this night the Knicks had two primary scorers who still produced numbers: Jalen Brunson finished with 33 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21, 19 of those coming in the second half. Even with those outputs, New York never looked like it could reverse Detroit’s control for long stretches.

Immediate implications and forward look

The game further bolstered the narrative that Cunningham is a central figure in MVP discussions this season, as his scoring burst and playmaking masked Detroit’s frontcourt absences. If the season series is indicative of future postseason matchups, the sweep raises a clear warning for the Knicks about matchups with this Pistons group. Detroit’s next game on the road is a visit to Chicago on Saturday at 8: 00 p. m. ET, a scheduling note that keeps the team on a quick turnaround. For New York, the loss highlights defensive vulnerabilities that will need attention if the team hopes to settle concerns before playoff time.

Key takeaways:

• Cunningham: 42 points, 17-of-34, 5-of-11 3PT, 13 assists, eight rebounds.
• Pistons completed a regular-season sweep of the Knicks and were plus-84 across three games.
• Detroit won 126-111 at Madison Square Garden; next game Saturday at 8: 00 p. m. ET.