Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said he wanted his team to play physical defense this season. But against the Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks were as plush as a pillow.
Detroit, minus its starting point guard Reggie Jackson (knee), poured on 64 first-half points and sent the Knicks (1-2) packing from The Palace of Auburn Hills with a 102-89 loss on Tuesday.
“We didn’t come out with the right intensity. We can’t give up baskets like that. It gives a team way too much confidence,” said Joakim Noah, who finished with a game-high eight assists to go along with 12 rebounds and two blocks.