In game two of the four-game road trip, the Knicks hope to win their 16th-straight over the pesky Pistons.
Way back on November 1, 1946, the New York Knicks played the first game in NBA history, defeating the Toronto Huskies 68-66 at Maple Leaf Gardens. Jump ahead 78 years and the New York Knicks (2-2) are on the schedule again, in a possibly less momentous game. Tonight they play the second game of a four-game trip, when they will visit Little Caesars Arena to face the Detroit Pistons (1-4).
The Knicks are coming off a rousing win in Miami, thanks to a masterpiece delivered by Karl-Anthony Towns. Also on Wednesday, Detroit was in Philadelphia, finally securing a win by defeating the 76ers by ten points.
While the Pistons have not won more than 23 games since the 2018-19 campaign, something’s different in Detroit’s water this season–and it’s not the stuff they found in Flint. Under the new leadership of J.B. Bickerstaff, the starting lineup pairs two veterans (Tim Hardaway, Jr., Tobias Harris) with three spunky youngsters in a kind of compelling way. Although they took almost two weeks to log one win, this team has the potential to beat pre-season predictions.
One notable change is their shooting: Detroit has come out firing from deep this season. They improved in the frontcourt, too, now ranking in the NBA’s top five for opponent points in the paint and second-chance points allowed. Not only have they outscored their opponents around the rim, but they’ve limited second-chance opportunities and dominated the glass. Leading the charge are Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey—two of the league’s top-scoring guards in the lane—and long-limbed Jalen Duren, who dunks, dunks, dunks, dunks, and dunks.
Projected Starters
The head of the snake is Cade Cunningham (G, 6’6”, 217 lb), one of only five NBA players currently averaging at least 25 points and seven assists per game. On Wednesday, Cunningham recorded 22 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block. He’s played well against the Knicks, too, scoring 30+ points in back-to-back games against them and averaging 20.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in five career matchups against them. He’ll be a challenge for New York’s wing defenders, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Drafted fifth two years ago, Jaden Ivey (G, 6’4”, 195 lb) has rapidly become a key player for the Detroit Pistons. He’s one of five franchise players to average at least 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game over their first three seasons. Just five points shy of reaching 2,500 career points, Ivey ranks 20th among NBA players with at least 20 three-pointers attempted this season, shooting an impressive 42.9% from deep—a drastic improvement from his previous 34%. Jaden must have upgraded to the Deuce McBride training package—money well spent!
OAKAAKUYOAK Tim Hardaway, Jr. (F, 6’5”, 205 lb) has been a spurned demon against New York in his last four games, averaging 22.5 points on 46.8% from deep (22-of-47). After a season-best 5-of-7 three-point performance against Philadelphia on Wednesday, he ranks near the top among volume three-point shooters this season. Timmy played two stints for the Knicks and always seems extra motivated for a reunion. He’s coming to burn the nets tonight!
In his revenge game, former Sixer Tobias Harris (F, 6’9”, 235 lb) logged 18 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, and one block in 35 minutes against Philly. That was his first double-double of the season and his third straight game with 10 or more rebounds. The 14-year vet averaged 16.8 points and shot 37.6% from three-point range over 157 games (121 starts) for Detroit from 2015 to 2018, before being traded as part of the deal for Blake Griffin. Remember when some folks wanted to trade Julius Randle for Harris straight up? Those were the days, Edith.
Jalen Duren (C, 6’10”, 250 lb) recorded the third-most rebounds (1,350) and double-doubles (65) before turning 21 in NBA history. Duren was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2022 NBA Draft, then traded to the Knicks for future draft picks. Soon after, New York sent him and Kemba Walker to Detroit for a conditional 2025 first-round pick and a trade exception. Presently four points shy of 1,500 career points, Duren leads the NBA with an 86% field goal percentage this season. Last season, he became the first player in Pistons history to average at least 13 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists on 60% field goal shooting or better. Expect dunks tonight.
Injury Report
Detroit: Bobi Klintman (Right Calf; Contusion) and Ausar Thompson (Return To Competition Reconditioning) are OUT.
New York: Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable with a sprained wrist on his shooting hand. Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson remain out.
Prediction
Underestimate Detroit at your peril. With blossoming talent, a better coach, and a mandate to improve on threes and D, the Pistons are no longer an easy W. They rank second in the NBA in offensive rebounds surrendered (8.6) and fourth in total rebounds allowed per game (39.2). Detroit is also tied for fifth in restricting opponents to an average of 42.0 points in the paint. Offensively, they’ve sunk 65 three-pointers already—the most through five games in franchise history.
And yet . . . the Knicks have won 15 straight contests against Detroit, dating back to February 8, 2020. That’s the Pistons’ longest active losing streak against any franchise. Jalen Brunson has been especially effective, averaging 27.3 points and 6.9 assists in seven games against the Pistons as a Knick, and Karl-Anthony Towns has also enjoyed considerable success at Detroit’s expense.
In fact, tonight’s game will hinge on KAT’s wrist. If he can play, then the Knicks win by +5, maybe +10. If he can’t . . . console yourself with leftover Halloween candy. Either way, you can count on seeing Ariel play, Hukporti fans! Thibs will be fiending for rebounds by the second quarter.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks at Detroit PIstons
When: Friday, November 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Watch: MSG Network, NBA League Pass
Follow: @ptknicksblog