The Knicks were forced to play Saturday night without one of their current stars, as dozens of big-time players from various generations of the Knicks past sat courtside at the Garden.
With imported center Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined for the second time this season, the Knicks were unable to maintain their recent sharpness on both ends of the floor, failing to mount a late comeback and losing 120-111 at home to the Pistons. He could only finish in 4th place. Game winning streak.
Former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham had a triple-double for the Pistons with 29 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds while shooting 50.0 percent from 3-point range (18-of-36).
Malik Beasley made seven treys and scored 23 points, and Jaden Ivey added 16 points for Detroit (10-15).
Naismith Hall of Famers Clyde Frazier, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley, Jerry Lucas, Bob McAdoo, Bernard King, Spencer Haywood, Patrick Ewing, and the families of Dean Meminger and Anthony Mason. Approximately 40 former Knicks attended and were introduced. At halftime, there was a celebration of “homecoming.”
Lost to the Pistons. Robert Sabo, New York Post
The Knicks (14-9) were outrebounded 43-31 without Towns, who slowed with a left knee issue.
Jalen Brunson remained in the lineup after suffering a back contusion Thursday night against the Hornets and led the Knicks (14-9) with 31 points and 10 assists.
Mikal Bridges had 20 points, OG Anunoby had 17 points with four steals, and Josh Hart also had 17 points before getting his second technical foul and being ejected in the final minute, leading the Knicks to just 33 3-pointers. He achieved 11 successes during his junior year.
Jericho Sims started at center in Towns' place, but played only six minutes in the first half, Tom Thibodoi replaced Precious Achiuwa as the starter in the third quarter, and rookie Ariel Hukporti also joined the rotation.
