Jose Alvarado speaks following the Knicks' latest loss to the Detroit Pistons.
The New York Knicks once again lost to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, falling to 0-3 on the season against the top seed in the East.
The three games haven't been all that competitive, with the Pistons winning by an average of 28 points. Thursday's contest was the closest of the three with the Pistons winning, 126-111.
Jose Alvarado was asked how much the regular season meetings matter should the two teams meet in the playoffs.
"Playoffs is a whole different ballgame. We're not going to sit here and say, 'oh, they beat us in the regular season...' We're not thinking like that. I don't think like that. When it counts is when it matters," he said.
Regular Season Results
The Knicks went 1-3 against the Pistons last season, but managed to win in six games when the two teams met in the first round of the playoffs.
The games last season were more competitive, as the average margin of victory was only eight points. The Knicks also had home court advantage, something they are unlikely to enjoy this season, given the current standings.
The Knicks are seven games behind the Pistons at the moment.
Thursday's game was perhaps the most concerning one for the Knicks as they had a healthy squad against a Pistons team missing All-Star Jalen Duren and backup center Isiah Stewart. Both men were suspended for their roles in an altercation against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Knicks have scored just 93 points in the three games this season and shot 29% from three. The Pistons have the third best defense in the league in terms of points given up, holding teams to 109.3 points per game.
Figuring It Out
The Knicks' starting lineup for Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns has been one of the best five-man lineups this season, with an 8.5 net rating, seventh best among lineups that have played more than 175 minutes together.
Due to availability, that lineup has only played in one game together against the Pistons, sharing the floor for 14 minutes.
Results are good as they have a net rating of 16.9. If the Knicks are going to find any optimism, should the two teams meet in the playoffs, it would be in the fact that their starting lineup has more than held its own against Detroit.
The Knicks and Pistons won't meet again this season, but if the Knicks want to make it to their first NBA Finals since 1999, they'll likely have to make a stop in Detroit.