Knicks vs Pistons G6 Preview: Ending a 9-game losing streak at home in the playoffs? Cunningham was aiming for a tie-break

At 7:30 a.m. Beijing time on May 2, the Pistons played at home against the Knicks to start Game 6 of the series. In the first 5 games, the Knicks led 3-2. Can Cunningham, who has been in excellent form this season, push the series into a tiebreaker?

Pistons coach Bickerstaff was part of a coaching staff that made a successful comeback. In the 2015 Western Conference semifinals, Bickerstaff served as an assistant coach with the Rockets as they reversed the Clippers in a series. Ten years later, he's trying to lead the Pistons to replicate that feat. In NBA history, only 13 teams have managed to come back from 3-1 down in the playoffs.

"Our focus is only on the game in front of us," Bickerstaff said, "and I firmly believe that the reason we've grown the way we are now is because we've always had that mentality." We're not the kind of team that looks to the next five games. We are a team that is focused on the moment and plays every game. If you play this way, you don't have to worry about all the other pressures that can come with it. ”

The Pistons overcame two dismal losses at home, and in G5, they resisted elimination and defeated the Knicks 106-103 at home. Cunningham's 24 points came in the second half as Osar Thompson had the best offensive performance of the series, scoring 22 points and limiting Brunson's play, allowing him to score just 16 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

"It's a great feeling," Cunningham said after the win, "and we're not eliminated yet." This whole series has been tough. There was a fierce battle for rebounding, and everyone gave it their all on the defensive end. This requires a lot of tactical execution and mental preparation. This victory means a lot to us. When we have our backs to the water, we actually perform better. We played better and more together. This one is a good example. Now, we have to continue that at home. ”

With less than three minutes left in G5, Brunson and Hart were forced to take a break. It wasn't until 27.1 seconds left that head coach Thibodeau called a final timeout to get the two players back on the field.

"You need to think about the time, the score, the penalties, the number of timeouts – all of those factors," Thibodeau said explaining why he didn't call a timeout. Do you think the next round will seal the win? There are many aspects to consider when making this decision. ”

Brunson, who averaged 33.3 points per game in the first four games of the series, insisted he had no ankle problems. When asked about the condition of his wrist, Hart said, "My whole body is bothering me. ”

With only one day between the two games, the Knicks will focus on forgetting the bitter taste of the G5 loss and preparing themselves.

"We haven't put ourselves in a position where we can get a landslide win," said Towns, who scored just 17 points in Game 5, "and we've been resilient and confrontational throughout the series, and that has allowed us to find ways to win a lot of times." I remember what the margin was in Detroit, it seemed like it was only three points? You can't always win like this, or you're going to get backlashed one day. ”

Although the visitors have won four of the five games in the series, and the Pistons have lost nine consecutive home playoff games since 2008, tying the NBA record, the Knicks are not taking this lightly as they hope to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the third consecutive season.

"We've got to get on the pitch to win the game," Hart said, "and we've got to get on the pitch and compete. We have to be tough on the pitch. Don't worry about foul calls, referees, or anything like that. We have to make sure that we have control over what we can control. ”

List of injuries and illnesses

Knicks: All players are available

Pistons: Ivey is out, Stewart is doubtful

ESPN Predicted Win Rate:Knicks 54.4%, Pistons 45.6%