The Knicks are set to face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs, marking their third consecutive postseason appearance. New York will need to match the physicality of the young Pistons led by Cade Cunningham, with Josh Hart emphasizing the importance of exceeding that intensity to gain an advantage. Coach Tom Thibodeau noted the league’s trend toward more physical play, while the Knicks’ home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden could be pivotal, especially for players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges experiencing the playoff atmosphere there for the first time.
