Knicks end home losing streak with win over the Pistons

The New York Knicks ended a 5 game losing streak at home after they defeated the lousy Detroit Pistons, 105-91 the other night.

With most of their players out with Covid-19 or medical protocols, coach Tom Thibodeau returned to Kemba Walker. Walker, who hadn’t seen any action since mid November got a break as a big core of the roster was unavailable. RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quikcley, Kevin Knox, Miles McBride and Quentin Grimes were all restricted from playing. On top of that, Derrick Rose was also unavailable due to an ankle injury.

Walker got back in the rotation on Saturday when he scored 29 points as the Knicks fell short to the Celtics, 114-107 at the TD Garden. Last night, Walker had another solid game with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the Knicks’ 14th win of the season.

The Knicks built a double digit lead in the second quarter and extended it to 21 points early in the third act, behind Mitchell Robinson‘s alley-oop off Kemba’s assist that put the Knicks up 61-40.

Robinson was one of the key factors for the win, making easy shots after being perfectly served and collecting rebound after rebound. He finished the game with 17 points and 14 boards off the bench but it wasn’t an easy win.

The Pistons forced a comeback late in the third period and got close early in the fourth when they cut the lead to just five points. Saben Lee, Detroit’s best scorer was fouled on a 2-point alley-oop and made the free throw to bring his team back 86-81 with 8:55 on the clock.

That, however, was the closest they got. Walker scored 9 points and Robinson grabbed 6 rebounds in the fourth quarter and secured the win eventually.

The Knicks were led by Evan Fournier who scored a game high 22 points that included four three pointers. Julius Randle had 21 points and 11 rebounds while Taj Gibson finished with 9 points off the bench.

Damyean Dotson, who got a 10 day contract, got just 4 minutes of action and made no attempt to shoot the ball.

The Pistons were led by Lee’s 16 points off the bench. Saddiq Bey and Cory Joseph added 15 points each while Trey Lyles finished with 13 buckets.

Up-next: The Knicks (14-17) will host the Washington Wizards (16-15) on Thursday night from 7:30 pm.