logo
Two Finals MVPs Make Appearance at Pistons vs. Knicks Game 4 in Detroit

Two Finals MVPs Make Appearance at Pistons vs. Knicks Game 4 in Detroit

Yahoo27-04-2025
On Sunday, the Detroit Pistons will look to defend their home court and even up their first-round series against the New York Knicks. Detroit almost roared back in Game 3 to win the first game at Little Caesars Arena, although the more experienced Knicks held on.
Defensive stopper Isaiah Stewart will miss his third game in a row with a nagging knee injury. The Pistons entered the game as 1.5-point underdogs.
Advertisement
Two NBA Hall of Famers and Pistons' legends were in attendance for the game.
Mar 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome.© Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Since the Goin' to Work era of Pistons basketball ended in the late 2000s, there hasn't been much reason to celebrate the team. In Game 2, the Pistons earned their first postseason win since 2008, and, finally, the Pistons look like a team on the rise.
Chauncey Billups and Isiah Thomas were spotted at Game 4. Billups won Finals MVP in 2004, and Thomas won the honors in 1990. Both are in the Hall of Fame and have since had coaching stints in their post-playing careers.
Billups is currently the coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and signed a contract extension to begin this offseason. Thomas has been the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and Florida International University Panthers, although he has not found the same penchant for coaching as Billups.
Advertisement
Both are considered two of the best players to ever don the Pistons' jersey, and both of their numbers have long since been retired. Billups joined Thomas in the Hall of Fame in 2024, and both are waiting, however patiently, for the Pistons to once again be real contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Check out the All Pistons homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Final Injury Report For Knicks-Pistons Game 4, Will Isaiah Stewart Play?
Related: Carmelo Anthony Has Suggestion, Offer For Cade Cunningham
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pistons Linked to Monster Trade That Could Swing NBA Championship
Pistons Linked to Monster Trade That Could Swing NBA Championship

Newsweek

time43 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Pistons Linked to Monster Trade That Could Swing NBA Championship

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Detroit Pistons were one of the NBA's most pleasant surprises last season, winning 44 games and giving the New York Knicks a good run for their money in the first round of the playoffs. Suddenly, the Pistons have hope for the first time in nearly two decades, and in a weak Eastern Conference that should be wide open next year, they should have a chance to make a serious run. More news: Boston Celtics Sign Son of Chicago Bulls Legend In order to do that, though, Detroit may have to swing a major trade, and Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz may have the answer for them: Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen. Swartz has proposed a blockbuster deal in which the Pistons would send Ron Holland, Tobias Harris, Marcus Sasser, a 2026 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-rounder — both unprotected — to the Jazz in exchange for Markkanen, who could absolutely reshape Detroit. Cade Cunningham #2 and Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons look at each other against the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on November 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Cade Cunningham #2 and Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons look at each other against the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on November 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by"His numbers took a dip last season playing for a Jazz team with no proven point guard and no desire to win on most nights, although a return to competitive basketball and joining an All-Star floor general in [Cade] Cunningham would almost certainly give him a boost," Swartz wrote. "He shot better than 40 percent on catch-and-shoot threes his first two seasons in Utah." Swartz went on to add that Markkanen's ability to space the floor would be of major benefit to a Pistons squad that hasn't exactly been lighting it up from downtown. "Of the 16 playoffs teams this past season, Detroit ranked 15th in made threes and 14th in accuracy," Swartz wrote. "Markkanen would do wonders in the Pistons' outside attack while serving as a big cutting target for the young guards on this roster to find. The Pistons are still a piece away from being a true contender in the East. Markkanen would get them there." Markannen averaged 19 points and 5.9 rebounds over 31.4 minutes per game on 42.3/34.6/87.6 shooting splits last season. The year prior, however, he posted 23.2 points and 8.2 boards on 48.0/39.9/89.9 splits. More news: Report: Miami Heat Interested in Acquiring Former First-Round Pick The 28-year-old is a dynamic offensive force when he is comfortable, and playing alongside of Cunningham in the Motor City would almost certainly bring out the best in him. Whether or not Utah would actually make this trade is anyone's guess, especially after the team just signed Markkanen to a massive contract extension last summer. But perhaps the Jazz would now prefer to get out of from under that contract and continue building through the draft. For more on the Detroit Pistons and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.

Christmas at The Garden: Here's how to buy Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Christmas Day tickets
Christmas at The Garden: Here's how to buy Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Christmas Day tickets

Indianapolis Star

time2 hours ago

  • Indianapolis Star

Christmas at The Garden: Here's how to buy Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Christmas Day tickets

There's something about holiday sporting events that add heightened excitement for many. Among those is the NBA's annual slate of Christmas Day games. This year features plenty of marquee games, including two Eastern Conference playoff teams from last season in the New York Knicks facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks are fresh off their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years; however, they fell to the Indiana Pacers, ending one round short of the NBA Finals. That prompted the firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau and hiring of Mike Brown as the team's next leader. NBA schedule 2025-26: What to know about national TV games, other key matchups On the flip side, the Cavaliers earned the best overall record in the regular season last year. Unfortunately for Cavs fans, the team was sent packing in the second round by the Pacers. With plenty of intrigue for both teams in a depleted Eastern Conference, the Knicks vs. Cavs contest is sure to be must-see. The teams face off on Thursday, December 25 at 12 p.m. ET If you're a fan of either team or you're wanting to do something different this Christmas season, you still have time to purchase Knicks vs. Cavs tickets. Shop New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Christmas tickets The New York Knicks will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, December 25 at 12 p.m. ET.

Christmas at The Garden: Here's how to buy Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Christmas Day tickets
Christmas at The Garden: Here's how to buy Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Christmas Day tickets

USA Today

time14 hours ago

  • USA Today

Christmas at The Garden: Here's how to buy Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Christmas Day tickets

There's something about holiday sporting events that add heightened excitement for many. Among those is the NBA's annual slate of Christmas Day games. This year features plenty of marquee games, including two Eastern Conference playoff teams from last season in the New York Knicks facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks are fresh off their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years; however, they fell to the Indiana Pacers, ending one round short of the NBA Finals. That prompted the firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau and hiring of Mike Brown as the team's next leader. NBA schedule 2025-26: What to know about national TV games, other key matchups On the flip side, the Cavaliers earned the best overall record in the regular season last year. Unfortunately for Cavs fans, the team was sent packing in the second round by the Pacers. With plenty of intrigue for both teams in a depleted Eastern Conference, the Knicks vs. Cavs contest is sure to be must-see. The teams face off on Thursday, December 25 at 12 p.m. ET If you're a fan of either team or you're wanting to do something different this Christmas season, you still have time to purchase Knicks vs. Cavs tickets. New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Christmas tickets The New York Knicks will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, December 25 at 12 p.m. ET. As of publication, tickets are on sale for as low as $394 to witness the two teams play on Christmas. Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA game information Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store