New York Knicks v Detroit Pistons
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The New York Knicks were no match for the Detroit Pistons as the season is beginning to travel down a dark road.

  • New York Knicks 102 (1-7)
  • Detroit Pistons 122 (4-5)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

The New York Knicks are unraveling before our very eyes. The team suffered its fourth-straight loss and the second in a row by 20-plus points.

All things considered, the Knicks showed some life in the first half. Julius Randle was on fire in the first half, knocking down seven of his first 11 shots, including two three-pointers.

However, the power forward disappeared in the second half, only sinking one basket on four shots. After putting up 59 points in the first half, the Knicks’ offense sputtered in the second half.

The big swing in the game came with the Knicks down two points in the early stages of the third quarter. Randle was called for a flagrant foul for sticking his foot in the landing space of Markieff Morris, who hit the shot anyway. He hit the free throw and the Pistons immediately got the ball back and scored. It was a six-point swing and New York never really recovered.

The Knicks put together a poor defensive effort against a depleted Pistons squad. Detroit was without Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, and Reggie Bullock.

Andre Drummond was dominant in the winning effort. The center turned in 27 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Mitchell Robinson left the game after taking a shot to the head from Markieff Morris. Losing his presence inside gave Drummond free reign at the rim.

Frank Ntilikina had one of his best performances as a Knick, anchoring the defense with his length and active hands. He had three blocks early to set the tone defensively. The Knicks weren’t able to coalesce around Ntilikina’s defense, but he was key in a second-quarter run to help the Knicks claw back into the game.

But we all know about Ntilikina’s defense. His offense is the big question mark about his game and he showed serious confidence on that end of the floor on Wednesday. He finished with 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting to go along with four turnovers. It was a step forward for the young point guard, but it was one of the only bright spots for the Knicks.

The Knicks will head south to Texas to meet the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. It will be the first time the Knicks will face Kristaps Porzingis since trading the Latvian forward last season.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.