Stefan Bondy

1 week ago | nypost.com | Stefan Bondy

To get past the first round, the Knicks or Pistons must kill what they helped create. Since Leon Rose took over the Knicks’ front office in 2020, he has completed four big trades with the Pistons — three more than with any other team counting deals when players, not just draft picks, were involved. For further context, the last Knicks-Pistons swap before Rose was in 1987, when Sidney Green, the Brooklynnite, joined the Knicks and underwhelmed. So it took 34 years for the franchises to reengage.

1 week ago | nypost.com | Stefan Bondy

Assignment: Wingstop. Mission: Stop Cade Cunningham. The Knicks found that impossible during the regular season, allowing the Pistons star to dissect their defense at his calm pace as he utilized screens and targeted attacks. It’s the most pressing concern for the Knicks defense ahead of their first-round series, with an understanding that Cunningham drives the team from the Motor City.

1 week ago | nypost.com | Stefan Bondy

Wally Szczerbiak, an MSG Network analyst, said the Knicks must overcome “fractured confidence” and anything less than an annihilation of the Pistons would be an indictment on the locker room. “We’re going to learn a lot about the interior of this locker room in this series quick,” Szczerbiak said on MSG Network’s playoff preview show. “Because the talent is there. They should blow out this Detroit team when you go player for player.

1 week ago | nypost.com | Stefan Bondy

Tom Thibodeau finished his final regular-season news conference Sunday reminding us that, just like the Knicks players, this isn’t our first rodeo. “I know you guys are aware of that,” Thibodeau said about his rotations getting shorter in the postseason. “Being veteran experienced playoff writers, you understand that.” Actually before Thibodeau, there was very little experience covering a hometown series.

1 week ago | nypost.com | Stefan Bondy

The Knicks start their playoff run on Holy Saturday. The NBA announced early Monday that Game 1 of Knicks-Pistons will tip off at 6 p.m. on Saturday on ESPN. It’s part of a four-game first-round slate Saturday, with Timberwolves at Lakers occupying the prime-time slot (8:30 p.m. on ABC). Bucks at Pacers (1 p.m.) and Clippers at Nuggets (3:30 p.m.) are the other matchups Saturday.