Knicks 128, Pistons 98: Scenes from Brunson getting his burner back in order

Powered by Jalen’s sizzling shooting and 36 points, the Knicks starters run roughshod over the lowly Pistons.

The New York Knicks (3-2) had beaten the Detroit Pistons (1-5) fifteen straight times before tonight. Word on the street was that the Motor City Club is playing tougher defense and shooting more threes, and their young talent is finally blossoming. Could be a trap game.

Ha! New York surged to their best offensive start of the season, shooting 63% in the first quarter and building a 26-point lead with balanced contributions from the first five guys. By halftime, they led by 23 points, powered by Karl-Anthony Towns’ all-around play and Jalen Brunson’s relentless 26-point effort. Detroit showed meager signs of life in the third quarter, but New York crossed the 100-point threshold before the fourth and rode the final frame to an easy win. 128-98.

All five Knicks starters have scored in double-figures for four straight games. Leading the charge tonight was Brunson with his best shooting performance of the season. He collected 36 points, five assists, two steals, and committed just two turnovers while hitting 6-of-8 from downtown. Detroit’s lauded paint defense was non-existent tonight as Jalen ate repeatedly at the rim.

OG Anunoby was ferocious on defense and added 21 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Karl-Anthony Towns matched his 21 points, plus 11 boards and seven assists—so much for a sprained wrist. Mikal Bridges had a team-high +31 plus-minus to go with his 15 points, seven boards, three assists and steals, and a block while shooting 6-of-13 from the floor. And Josh Hart rounded out the starters with 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals. All told, the Knicks starters dished 25 dimes and shot 42 of 77 from the field. What a basketball team!

First Half

In the first quarter, New York mounted their best offensive start of the young season. They hit 15 of 24 shot attempts (63%) to build a 26-point lead, with all five starters scoring and recording at least one assist. Their defense hummed, too, racking up five steals in the first 12 minutes and forcing Detroit into seven turnovers and 29% shooting. Before the game, Detroit’s impressive three-point shooting had been highlighted. Through the first quarter? Just 1-of-9 from deep. Huh.

Josh Hart gave us a brief scare, turning his ankle midway through the quarter (though he would shake it off). Despite being listed as questionable with a sprained wrist, Karl-Anthony Towns looked solid, putting up an impressive first-half stat line: 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and no fouls on 50% shooting. Here he whips a bonkers pass to a cutting Jalen Brunson:

Early in the second quarter, the Knicks’ lead swelled to 33. The team dominated in the paint, and Jalen Brunson attacked the rim with relentless success, tallying 26 first-half points. OG Anunoby also shone with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal on 5-of-8 shooting. Here’s another pick-six by the league’s best defender:

The Pistons managed a 13-3 run to chip away at the deficit but still trailed by a bunch. The Knicks finished the half with 69 (!) points and a 23-point lead at intermission.

Second Half

The home team came out of halftime determined to play improved defense. Brunson was having none of it.

Detroit’s Cade Cunningham swished four buckets and OAKAAKUYOAK Tim Hardaway, Jr. laced a triple, but ‘twas a sisyphean effort. New York broke 100 points with 13:40 minutes left in the game won the quarter 35-28, and carred a 104-74 advantage into the final frame.

The Knicks rode out the fourth with ease, and the Rookies all got a chance to log some minutes. Wonderful basketball game, wonderful Knicks win. In fact, the only painful moment was when my wife wandered past the TV, saw Cunningham’s headshot displayed, and purred, “Oh, who’s this Cade fella?”

Up Next

Boy, did I overestimate the Pistons in today’s preview. Oof. The Knicks’ train rolls into Houston on Monday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score