The Pistons poured in 38 points in the opening quarter to seize a 13-point cushion at Madison Square Garden.
Detroit took control early, outscoring New York 38-25 in the first quarter and carrying a 13-point lead into the second. Paul Reed led the burst with 13 points in 10:35, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and adding three rebounds. Cade Cunningham had nine points and six assists in under nine minutes as the Pistons’ offense hummed. Jalen Brunson scored eight for the Knicks, but made just one of six field goals while converting all six free throws; Detroit entered 3-0, while New York was 0-3.
Key Performers
Paul Reed (Detroit): 13 points, 5-for-6 FG, +14 Cade Cunningham (Detroit): 9 points, 6 assists Jalen Brunson (New York): 8 points, 6-for-6 FT