In Game 1, the Knicks initially struggled, trailing the Pistons by eight points entering the fourth quarter. However, they quickly gained momentum after a five-second violation by Detroit, with Karl-Anthony Towns scoring consecutive baskets and Cam Payne contributing significantly, scoring 11 of his 14 points in the final frame. Despite a late push from the Pistons, the Knicks held on for the win, with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby praising Payne’s impact on the game and the electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden.
