The Knicks won 16 in a row against the Pistons from Feb. 8, 2020, to Nov. 1, 2024. But as the Pistons’ fortunes improved midway through the season, so did their performances against the Knicks. Detroit won the final three games against New York, including twice at Madison Square Garden, to take the season series 3-1.

Heading into their first playoff series in six years, the Detroit Pistons find themselves as big underdogs against the New York Knicks. Despite what the outside perception might be, one coach refuses to lose any focus before this round-one matchup.