Coming off a lethargic 26-point blowout loss Tuesday in San Antonio, the Knicks decisively defeated the injury-plagued Detroit Pistons Thursday night, improving New York’s record to over .500 heading into the All-Star break for the first time in eight years.
On Tuesday against the Spurs, the Knicks looked like they were ready to start their week off early, but Tom Thibodeau isn’t one for accepting lackluster efforts. New York had Elfrid Payton back and in the starting lineup, but no Derrick Rose (out for health and safety protocol). Taj Gibson remains out after recently spraining his ankle, leaving the Knicks light at the center position.