Knicks head coach Mike Brown is pushing his team to reclaim their pride ahead of Thursday’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. After suffering two lopsided defeats to the conference-leading Pistons, including a harsh loss less than two weeks ago, Brown is determined to see a competitive response from his players.
Brown acknowledged the significance of these past losses, saying,
“Yeah, it should [mean something more]. They didn’t just win the game, they beat us pretty bad. So for us, and I don’t like to say that this game is more important than the next game — every game is extremely important — but there comes a certain point when you’re in competition.”
He also remarked,
“If the wins and losses are as lopsided as those two losses, that should shake you up a little bit.”
These defeats were stark, as the Knicks dropped two matchups against Detroit by a combined 69 points, including a Feb. 6 game where New York managed just 35.8 percent shooting and scored a season-low 80 points.
Brown Stresses That Regular Season Results Don’t Predict Playoff Outcomes
Despite the previous blowouts, Brown insists the regular season meetings won’t determine what happens in the playoffs. He said,
“At the end of the day, if we win tomorrow or win the next two games — or how many games we play them — that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that we’re going to beat them come playoff time — or vice versa.”
Adding perspective, he commented,
“I’m a firm believer in that. I’ve been around this thing too long to see — some teams go 0-4 in the regular season and still win the series. … That part doesn’t matter. It’s just about how the first two games turned out for us [and having pride in reversing that].”
Impact of Suspensions on Pistons’ Lineup
The Pistons will enter the game without their physical frontcourt duo, centers Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, both sidelined due to suspensions from a recent brawl against the Charlotte Hornets. Duren is serving the final game of a two-game suspension, while Stewart received a lengthier seven-game ban for leaving the bench to confront an opponent during the incident.
OG Anunoby’s Return Provides Defensive Boost for Knicks
Knicks forward OG Anunoby, out for four games due to a painful toenail removal before the All-Star break, is expected to return after completing a full practice Wednesday. He described the injury’s severity, saying,
“Once it’s removed it’s an open wound. Like it’s just flesh and raw, bloody.”
Despite the pain, Anunoby reported steady improvement:
“I don’t know when, but it’s getting better every day. It feels better.”
The 28-year-old has often been tasked with guarding Pistons star Cade Cunningham, and his absence was noticeable during the Knicks’ 2-2 record without him, including the heavy February loss.
Mike Brown commented on Anunoby’s impact:
“At that size and his skill set, you always miss that when he’s out. It’s good to see him on the floor, for sure.”
Significance of the Upcoming Knicks-Pistons Clash
The upcoming matchup carries more than just standings implications; it represents an opportunity for the Knicks to restore confidence and demonstrate resilience after being overwhelmed by the Pistons this season. With key Pistons players suspended and Anunoby’s potential return, the game could offer a different look on the court.
Mike Brown’s focus on pride and competitive intensity could set the tone for a spirited effort at MSG. While regular-season results have been discouraging, the Knicks’ ability to respond under pressure will be essential heading toward the postseason series where anything can happen regardless of prior records.
