beyond the back page Knicks’ next hurdle suddenly looks so different — if Pistons even get that far By Bridget Reilly Published May 12, 2026, 7:40 a.m. ET Cade Cunningham tries to dribble past Josh Hart in a Pistons win over the Knicks on Feb. 19, 2026. Getty Images The Knicks are comfortably into the Eastern Conference finals and now will enjoy the benefits of an extended rest.
The Cavaliers put together a dominant second half Monday night to defeat the Pistons, 112-103, and tie the other East semifinal at 2-2.
Donovan Mitchell had his way with the Pistons, scoring 39 of his 43 points in the second half. He was a plus-28. The Cavaliers defense delivered as well, limiting Pistons star Cade Cunningham to 19 points and six assists.
