With dozens of big-name gamers from totally different generations of the Knicks’ previous seated courtside on the Backyard, the Knicks had been pressured to play Saturday evening with out considered one of their present stars.
With imported middle Karl-Anthony Cities sidelined for the second time this season, the Knicks failed to keep up their latest crispness at each ends of the ground earlier than a late rally fell brief in a 120-111 house loss to the Pistons to halt their four-game successful streak.
Former No. 1 total decide Cade Cunningham had a triple-double with 29 factors, 15 assists and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, who shot 50.0 % from 3-point vary (18-for-36).
Malik Beasley nailed seven treys and completed with 23, and Jaden Ivey added 16 for Detroit (10-15).
About 40 former Knicks — together with Naismith Corridor of Famers Clyde Frazier, Earl Monroe, Invoice Bradley, Jerry Lucas, Bob McAdoo, Bernard King, Spencer Haywood and Patrick Ewing, plus the households of Dean Meminger and Anthony Mason — had been in attendance and launched throughout a “homecoming” celebration at halftime.
loss to the Pistons. Robert Sabo for New York Publish
The Knicks (14-9) had been outrebounded 43-31 with out Cities, who was a late scratch with a difficulty together with his left knee.
Jalen Brunson remained within the lineup after struggling a again contusion Thursday evening in opposition to the Hornets and completed with 31 factors and 10 assists to guide the Knicks (14-9).
Mikal Bridges scored 20 factors, OG Anunoby had 17 with 4 steals and Josh Hart additionally scored 17 earlier than receiving his second technical foul and an ejection within the closing minutes for the Knicks, who completed 11-for-33 from 3-point vary.
Jericho Sims began at middle rather than Cities, however he performed solely six first-half minutes, with Tom Thibodeauy turning to Valuable Achiuwa to start out the third quarter, whereas additionally together with rookie Ariel Hukporti within the rotation.
