When the Detroit Pistons arrived at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night, they were prepared to show that last month’s 31-point beatdown of the New York Knicks was no fluke.

This time around, the Pistons were without their All-Star center in Jalen Duren, who missed the Eastern Conference showdown due to right knee soreness, and the team had little opportunity to rest after last night’s nine point loss to the Washington Wizards. So, without their dominant big man or a full day’s worth of rest, the Pistons faced off with a Knicks team that seemingly brings out the best in Detroit– and their fans. 

Every time Knicks’ All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson touched the basketball on Friday night, the visiting player faced a smattering of vitriol and disdain with boos ringing through every inch of the arena. The Pistons’ fans have not forgotten the result of last year’s postseason series, and their pressure was consistent throughout Detroit’s 118-80 victory in what was a stunning display of defensive tenacity and perimeter shooting. 

The Knicks were riding an eight-game winning streak entering their battle with Detroit, but the Pistons dismantled the New York offense from the jump. Ausar Thompson hounded Brunson at the point of attack, holding him to just five points at halftime, and the Villanova product consistently embellished the Pistons’ physicality on the night. Brunson finished with just 12 points on 4-for-20 shooting against Detroit as his rhythm was disrupted all night long as he attempted to carry the Knicks, who were without Karl-Anthony Towns (eye laceration) and OG Anunoby as well. 

Thompson finished the night with three blocks and two steals in a peerless defensive performance from the dynamic third-year forward. Thompson relishes the opportunity to cut off an opposing team’s top threat at the source, and he effectively neutralized Brunson for the duration of his time on the court. 

In general, Detroit’s second unit made life particularly difficult for the Knicks, which has become part of the group’s calling card. Ron Holland showcased his relentless aggression with persistent man-marking and opportunistic breaks on the ball, and his effort alongside Javonte Green helped the Pistons truly open up their lead against the Knicks in the second quarter. 

From an offensive standpoint, Detroit had one of their best shooting nights of the season with 17 connections from downtown in the dominant victory. The Pistons shot 43% from three-point range, and the trio of Tobias Harris, Daniss Jenkins and Duncan Robinson all knocked down three shots from long-range on their own. Typically, perimeter shooting has been a source of concern for the Pistons, but Detroit vanquished any such worries against an overmatched Knicks squad. 

In the fourth quarter, the newest Detroit Piston, Kevin Huerter, checked into the game and had an opportunity to introduce himself to the Motown crowd. Right when Huerter stood at the scores table for the first time, the LCA crowd hit him with a round of applause in anticipation for what was an eight point night (4-for-6 FGs) for the new acquisition. 

As for Cade Cunningham, Detroit’s All-Star starter was able to facilitate against New York and take more of a backseat role as the Pistons had firm control all game long. Cunningham logged 11 points and seven assists, well below his season averages, but that’s because he only played 22 minutes out of the dominant 48 minutes that Detroit put together. 

Detroit’s dominant win marked the team’s eighth consecutive victory on the second leg of a back-to-back. The Pistons move to 38-13 on the season and will prepare for a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 pm. 

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