New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony was in attendance for Game 2 of the playoffs against the Detroit Pistons and delivered a strong message regarding Cade Cunningham.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham
© Getty ImagesDetroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham

The New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons are tied 1-1 in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs after facing off twice at Madison Square Garden.

In the most recent matchup, Cade Cunningham stood out and played a key role in Detroit’s 100-94 win. But what really turned heads was an unexpected interaction with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.

In the third quarter, Cunningham threw down a dunk and immediately pointed at Anthony, who was sitting courtside. Naturally, the gesture didn’t go unnoticed by the 10-time All-Star, who spoke about it on his podcast 7PM in Brooklyn.

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“It’s a respect thing,” Carmelo said about Cade’s gesture. “I wear multiple hats. I wear the hat of representing New York, the Knicks; I wear the hat of being a player who played for the Knicks; and I also wear the hat of someone who (expletive) with this generation and talent.”

Anthony expanded on that idea, making it clear that beyond his Knicks fandom, he’s also paying attention to the bigger picture. “I see certain skills set, compartmentalizing the Knicks situation with myself, focusing on guys who can really play the game of basketball. I’m still a fan of that too,” said the former forward.

Carmelo Anthony praised Cade Cunningham

Carmelo Anthony praised Cade Cunningham

“To that point of Cade, like him acknowledging (me), yeah, I’m here,” Carmelo said. “I’m here for the Knicks, but I’m here to come see you put in work. I wanna see what you got to do. This is a very important series for you.”

Carmelo Anthony praises Cade Cunningham

In the same conversation, Carmelo Anthony made it clear how much he respects Cade Cunningham’s talent. “I always said I wanna work with Cade,” he stated. “I don’t know if he heard that or not. I would love to work with him.”

Speaking on what makes the Detroit player so special, Carmelo explained: “He got everything. He’s a 6’6 point guard, big guard ability.

I see him starting to get down there in the post. If he gets a couple one-twos out of that post… He just fits so seamlessly into what Detroit has going on.”

Carmelo Anthony respects Detroit

What the Pistons did during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, combined with what they’ve shown in the first two games of the playoffs against the Knicks, has earned Carmelo Anthony’s respect. “They built that team the right way,” he said.

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“They got the right pieces. They got physicality, athleticism, shooters, they can defend, and you got a really good coaching staff over there,” Anthony said about Detroit’s strengths. “And you got Cade who can lead now. That’s scary.”

Finally, the Hall of Famer class of 2025 shared his thoughts on what he’s seen at the start of this playoff matchup against the Knicks. “We saw that. 

For them to come in there and take Game 2 in the Garden… That notion of like, ‘Team is too young or inexperience,’ that (expletive) is out the window now. Them notions is over.”