In this match, which was undeniably a “must-win” for the residents of Madison Square Garden, it was the visitors who gave the best start. In the wake of an unexpected duo Cory Joseph – Hamidou Diallo, the Pistons quickly lead 14-9 and force the first time-out of the match. No panic for all that on the side of Tom Thibodeau and his men, who react quickly and ensure a 10/0 to start the machine. On an alley-oop initiated by Alec Burks and concluded with the siren by Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks are in front after 12 minutes (24/17).
Ineffective offensively, the Pistons then try to destabilize their opponents with a zone and they force the Knicks to take a time-out to adapt. Moment chosen by Mitchell Robinson to start his work, regularly well served by a Kemba Walker of the great evenings. After an “and-1” from Julius Randle then an award-winning shot from Evan Fournier, the Knicks made the first break (36-25). Ghostly Cade Cunningham, the Pistons lack offensive madness and rely on the Knicks’ loss of balls not to sink. Insufficient to worry the locals who join the locker rooms at +11 (48-37).
The second half started on the hats of wheel for New York, which sticks an 11/0 in 2 minutes to the Pistons. Here is the gap which swells to +22 (59-37)! But no lead is really gained with the Knicks, and the Pistons know it. Under the impetus of a Cory Joseph in the form of his life, and of… Saben Lee, they gradually nibble their delay and complete the third quarter at -11 (80-69). We find the gap at half-time, and the Pistons, without really shining offensively, continue to get closer (86-81). After a time-out from Thibodeau and under the encouragement of their public, the Knicks reacted well, under the impetus, not surprisingly, of an exceptional Mitchell Robinson.
The pivot provides 4 points on offensive rebounds and offers himself an authoritarian counter on Cade Cunningham. Then Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker, each with an award-winning shot, cut the gap to +13. The holders of Tom Thibodeau do the job in the last act and the Knicks can quietly savor their victory (105-91).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Kemba Walker, titular and efficient. Because of the avalanche of absences affecting his franchise, the leader was aligned in the 5 major for the second consecutive game after that of Boston. And as in Massachusetts, “Cardiac Kemba” delivered a nice performance. Present on the floor for 40 minutes, he provides 21 points (8/21), 8 rebounds, 5 assists and an interception. Message received 5/5 by Tom Thibodeau?
The return of Damyean Dotson. Former Knick from 2017 to 2020, the rear, signed for 10 days to compensate for the absences of the workforce, was entitled to 4 minutes of anecdotal play, but above all to a standing ovation from the public of the Garden, who kept a good memory of this “role player”, specialist in outdoor shooting.
Rex Kalamian replaces Dwane Casey. The usual coach of the Pistons was absent from his team’s bench for personal reasons. It was therefore his first assistant who took over the 48-minute time.
Defending the Knicks. Beyond the numbers (the Pistons shot 36%), it was the visual impression left by the Knicks that was satisfactory. Still too crumbly in defense on a counter-attack, Thibs’ men were however strong on half-ground, systematically ensuring good rotation against a team which used without moderation the “pick-and-roll” in the axis.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅Mitchell Robinson. With rumors of a Knicks’ interest in Myles Turner being rumored, the young hub made sure to send the right message. Absolutely imperial in defense, rebounds and blocks, he repeatedly initiated a renewal of energy for the Knicks during the meeting. With 17 points and 14 rebounds in just 25 minutes, he’s definitely the man of the game.
✅Evan Fournier. Not the most spared by critics this season, the Frenchman delivered a third good game in a row. Greedy but clumsy (9/24, biggest total of his team), he plants 22 points (biggest total too) and appeared in confidence. Bodes well for the Knicks.
✅⛔Cade Cunningham. Discreet in the first half, the rookie regained color after the break. If the shooting figures do not plead in his favor (2/13), he still contributed to the passes (8) and rebounds (9). The sign of a complete player, able to influence a meeting even when the shots do not fall in.
⛔ Nerlens Noel. Author of 2 points in 0 attempted shot, he was non-existent offensively, quickly erased by the thunderous match of Mitchell Robinson, who could soon recover his starting place.
THE FOLLOWING
New York (14-17) : The Knicks stay at home for the reception of the Wizards, on the night of Thursday to Friday
Detroit (5-25) : trip to Miami, overnight from Thursday to Friday
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