For the Pistons, it was an opportunity to climb the Eastern Conference ladder, just two games behind the fifth-seeded Bucks, with time to make a move. For the Knicks, one more win would clinch the third seed, eliminating any risk of falling to fourth in the final stretch.

Cade Cunningham poured in 36 points and recorded eight assists as the host Detroit Pistons pulled out a 115-106 comeback victory over the New York Knicks in a preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup on Thursday night.