Pistons Blow Out the Knicks for the Second Time During the 25-26 Season

During their Friday, February 6th, matchup, the Detroit Pistons controlled the game from the opening tip and never let the New York Knicks settle in. The defensive pressure and efficient shooting helped Detroit build a large early lead and maintain control throughout the game in the 118-80 win. Granted, the Knicks were without some key pieces; however, the Pistons bench looked fantastic, scoring 66 of the Pistons 118 points. We’ll see if Detroit can maintain their first-place dominance throughout the Eastern Conference for the rest of the season, while New York will look to regroup after winning eight in a row, facing a division rival in the Boston Celtics on Sunday, February 8th at 12:30 p.m. EST.

G-League Star Provided a Major Spark off the Bench

Daniss Jenkins led the Pistons with a standout offensive effort off the bench. Jenkins finished with 18 points, three assists, and four rebounds while shooting seven of 11, 63.6% from the field and three of six from three-point range. He provided instant energy whenever he was on the floor. Jenkins’ scoring punch helped create the separation that broke the game open.

Pistons Three-Point Shooting Made a Difference 

The Pistons’ three-point shooting played a major role in the blowout. Detroit knocked down 17 of 40 shots from beyond the arc, good for 42.5% shooting from deep. Several of those makes came during extended runs that quickly stretched the lead. New York struggled to close out on shooters, and Detroit consistently made them pay. Cade Cunningham, who controlled the tempo and facilitated the offense, posted 11 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while orchestrating the offense. 

Injuries Impacted the Knicks Far More Than Detroit 

Both teams entered the matchup shorthanded. The Knicks were without Karl-Anthony Towns due to an eye injury, which he sustained last game against the Denver Nuggets, while OG Anunoby was out with a toe injury. Detroit played without starting center Jalen Duren because of a knee injury. Despite the absences, the Pistons controlled the paint and dictated physicality throughout the night. New York was led by Mikal Bridges, who finished with 19 points on seven of 16 shooting. Jalen Brunson struggled, scoring just 12 points on four of 20 shooting, including missing all eight of his attempts from three-point range. 

New York Struggled to Find Offense 

The Knicks were unable to generate consistent offense against Detroit’s defense, shooting 35.4% from the field as a team. Detroit moved the margin to 90-60, allowing the Pistons to comfortably close out the game. The 118-80 final score capped off another decisive win over New York this season. The Knicks scored 80 points, a season low. In the first matchup this season, they scored 90 points, in the 31-point loss to the Pistons on January 5th. Detroit once again asserted control in the matchup and rides momentum high as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.