The New York City Marathon took over the streets on Sunday, causing unexpected transportation challenges for the Detroit Pistons. With thousands of runners flooding the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn, many of the city’s major avenues were completely shut down, making it nearly impossible for the Pistons to get from their hotel to Barclays Center by car for their 3:30 p.m. ET matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
Faced with a transportation dilemma, the Pistons had to think quickly—and the solution was to use the subway. In a scene that felt more relatable to daily commuters than NBA stars, the entire Pistons roster hopped on the New York City subway system to get to the game on time.
Video footage showed the Pistons hanging out on the 3 train, looking surprisingly comfortable as they navigated the MTA alongside other New Yorkers.
For those wondering how this situation came to be, the Pistons were in town to play both the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets over the weekend. It seems likely that the team chose to stay at a hotel in midtown Manhattan, conveniently close to Madison Square Garden for their game against the Knicks.
Their plan was probably to drive over the Brooklyn Bridge to reach Barclays Center for the game against the Nets. However, with the New York City Marathon in full swing, the Brooklyn Bridge, along with many other major routes, was completely shut down, leaving the team with no other option but to embrace public transportation.
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The unusual journey made for a memorable experience, with Pistons players having to do what millions of New Yorkers do every day—take the train to get where they needed to go. Videos shared on social media showed the players standing in the subway car, chatting and even interacting with fans who were shocked to see the Pistons taking such a classic New York City mode of transportation.
It was a rare sight, and fans couldn’t help but smile at the idea of NBA players using the subway to get to their game.
Despite the change in their travel plans, the Pistons seemed to take the adventure in stride, with many of the players embracing the unique experience. For a team that’s used to traveling in luxury buses and private charters, it was a moment of connection with the everyday lives of millions of city residents. The subway ride was an unexpected twist to the game day routine, adding an element of spontaneity to what is usually a carefully planned schedule.
The New York City Marathon is an iconic event that takes over much of the city every year, attracting runners from all over the globe and drawing large crowds of spectators.
While it’s always an inspiring sight, it also presents logistical challenges for those trying to move around the city, as the Pistons found out. But rather than letting the disruption derail their day, the team found a way to adapt, showing flexibility and a sense of humor in the process.
Ultimately, the Pistons’ subway adventure is just another example of the unpredictable nature of New York City. Even professional athletes are not immune to the challenges of navigating a bustling metropolis, especially when one of the biggest marathons in the world is underway.
As they headed into Barclays Center after their unique commute, the Pistons proved they were willing to go with the flow—just like true New Yorkers.
