Pride on the Line
Knicks coach Mike Brown is urging his players to bring their intensity for Thursday’s rematch against the Pistons. This comes after two tough losses to the conference-leading team, including a particularly harsh defeat just a couple of weeks ago.
“Sure, it should mean something more. Not only did they win, but they really handed it to us,” Brown mentioned. While he hesitates to say this game holds more weight than others, he emphasizes that every game is crucial, especially in competition.
“If the outcomes were as lopsided as those two losses, you’d understandably be a bit frustrated,” he added.
This season, the Knicks (35-20) have faced the Pistons (40-13) twice, losing by a staggering 69 points combined. In their February 6 loss, the Knicks struggled significantly, shooting only 35.8 percent and scoring just 80 points, marking their lowest of the season.
Brown remains hopeful that Thursday’s game will be more competitive. Yet, he’s keen to remind everyone that regular-season performance doesn’t guarantee success in the playoffs against the same team.
“In the end, even if we win tomorrow or in our upcoming games, that doesn’t assure us victory in the playoffs against them,” Brown explained. “I firmly believe that. I’ve been in this long enough to know that some teams can go 0-4 in the regular season and still win in the playoffs. So, it’s all about how we approach our pride and trying to turn things around.”
The Pistons will be missing centers Isaiah Stewart and Jaylen Duren due to suspensions from a recent brawl with the Hornets. Duren has two games of suspension, which includes Thursday, while Stewart is sidelined for seven games due to a repeat offense.
OG Anunoby, known for being succinct, recently described the troublesome toenail removal that kept him out of four games before the All-Star break. “It hurts a lot,” he admitted. “Once it’s out, it’s just an open wound, raw and bleeding.”
Although he is listed as questionable for Thursday’s matchup, Anunoby is expected to play after getting through a full practice on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old has no clarity on what caused his toenail issue or when it might heal. “I don’t have toenails,” he said. “I don’t know when they’ll grow back, but it’s getting better each day.”
The Knicks managed a 2-2 record without Anunoby, which included a frustrating loss to the Pistons on February 6. Typically, Anunoby takes on the assignment of guarding Cade Cunningham. “With his size and skill, you definitely notice his absence,” Brown said. “It’s great to have him back on the court.”
