Knicks Outwork Pistons For A 108-96 Win

Despite leading the league in rebounds, Andre Drummond only pulled down nine boards against the Knicks on Tuesday night. That stat is emblematic of the gritty performance that allowed New York to earn a 108-96 win against the Pistons.

“We wanted to throw multiple bodies at him (Drummond), keep him off the offensive glass,” Derrick Williams, who finished with 18 points, said. “That was a big part of the game plan … get him frustrated and close out the shooters.”

Carmelo Anthony was the Knicks leading scorer, as he added 24 points to Williams’ strong game. New York also got strong performances from Jose Calderon, Kyle O’Quinn, Kristaps Porzingas and Robin Lopez, all of whom scored at least 10 points. Lopez also blocked six shots.

“Lopez blocked six shots. You know why? He played hard. Robin Lopez was a major factor in this game,” said Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy. “Give the Knicks credit. They played a lot harder than we did.”

The lack of effort capped the Pistons frustrations on the night. Despite sitting over .500, they’ve lost three straight games and sit near the cellar of the Central Division.

“I’m tired of losing. Tired of watching fans walk out of here up 15, going home excited about a win,” Detroit’s Reggie Jackson said. “We can’t continue to watch ourselves sink.”

Photo: Teammates Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks try to stop Frank Kaminsky #44 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 11, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Article by Joe Kozlowski