Heroes, zeros from Knicks’ Game 1 win over Pistons: Jalen Brunson recovers from slow start for huge game

Heroes and zeros from the Knicks’ 123-112 Game 1 win over the Pistons on Saturday:

Hero: Jalen Brunson

After a rough start, he changed his sneakers and came back as the superstar the Knicks have grown accustomed to. After starting 3-for-14 from the field, Brunson made 9 of his next 13 shots and finished with a game-high 34 points and eight assists. 

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) gestures after making a 3-point shot in Game 1 of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Zero: Mikal Bridges

He disappeared for long stretches of the game, a concern many had about him entering the playoffs. He finished with just eight points and was a team-worst minus-16. The Knicks were lucky to overcome his no-show. 

Unsung hero: Cam Payne

A question to even be in the postseason rotation, he scored 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, which helped spark the Knicks’ empathic 21-0 run. His energy was infectious with his teammates as well. 

Cam Payne had a huge fourth quarter for the Knicks in the Game 1 win. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Key stat

62-46 Knicks’ advantage in points in the paint. For all that was made about how tough the Pistons are inside, the Knicks bullied them there. Much of that came from Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 23 points. 

Quote

“I think he grabbed his cape.” 

— Tom Thibodeau on what changed for Brunson