NBA2 hours ago2 minute read

Knicks Turn Things Around Against Pistons for First Victory

New York ended its three game losing streak with a 111-97 win against Detroit after a dominant middle quarters effort at home.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

A needed response at home

The New York Knicks ended their three game losing streak to open the season by defeating the Detroit Pistons 111-97 at Madison Square Garden. Detroit came into the game undefeated and leading the conference, having beaten New York in all three regular season matchups last year by an average of 30 points.

Things started slowly for New York as Detroit built an early 15 point lead. However, the Knicks turned the game around in the middle two quarters, outscoring the Pistons 63-25.

Jalen Brunson scored 23 points while shooting 5 for 18. He pointed to baseball as a mindset for the team, saying they need to focus on hitting singles and taking care of the little things until they find their rhythm. Brunson later forced Ausar Thompson to foul out in the fourth quarter during a late Detroit push.

Adjustments pay off

Mikal Bridges stepped up by hitting four shots from three point range after failing to make one in his previous three games. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 27 points and 20 rebounds, marking his 14th career game with at least 25 points and 20 rebounds.

Head coach Mike Brown challenged Towns at halftime regarding Pistons center Paul Reed, who was getting extra playing time because All Star center Jalen Duren was injured. Brown told Towns that Reed was hurting them on the glass, and Towns responded with a stronger effort in the second half.

Detroit guard Cade Cunningham was limited after a fast start, shooting just 4 for 14 after the first quarter as New York raised its physical intensity. Brown noted after the win that nothing is completely fixed yet, but the team proved what it can do when fully focused.

What it means for the next game

New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls (NBA, Thu, 29 Oct): Chicago Bulls win 28%, New York Knicks win 72%; projected score Chicago Bulls 113, New York Knicks 120. Our safest pick: Knicks to win.

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (NBA, Fri, 30 Oct): Philadelphia 76ers win 50%, New York Knicks win 50%; projected score Philadelphia 76ers 116, New York Knicks 114. Our safest pick: Knicks +10.5.