The New York Knicks won over the Detroit Pistons Saturday night behind a strong performance from Robin Lopez. The Knicks had only won three times in the last 19 games before beating the Pistons 102-89 at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks led the Pistons for nearly the entire duration of the game, winning for just the fourth time in the last 20 games. Lopez had a strong game with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Carmelo Anthony had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. The Knicks were playing without Kristaps Porzingis, who sat out with an injury.
Arron Afflalo had 20 points while making all seven of his shots in the first half, helping give the Knicks a solid lead at halftime at 57-42. The Pistons cut the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks went on a 21-4 run to put the game out of hand. Porzingis being out was a blow for the Knicks, but the team was able to come together for a win. Porzingis is dealing with a bruised left leg and is considered "day-to-day."
"Guys responded well, especially after the loss that we had last night, and guys came to play tonight," Anthony said.
Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy was not pleased with the play of his team in the loss. "It was an embarrassing performance," said Van Gundy.
Andre Drummond had a strong game with 21 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to get the win. Reggie Jackson struggled while shooting just three for 17, while Tobias Harris contributed 18 points and eight rebounds. The Pistons have lost two straight games after winning four in a row. The Pistons cut the lead to 81-77 in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks were able to hold Detroit from taking the lead. The Knicks held the Pistons to 39 percent shooting in the game.
The Knicks are 26-38 this season, going 3-7 over the last 10 games. The Knicks were expecting to be in the playoff mix in the Eastern Conference this year, but they are currently 6.5 games back of the eighth postseason spot. The Knicks will head west for a road trip after winning against the Pistons. The team will visit the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday before playing the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. The Knicks will also play the Clippers and Lakers on the road trip.
