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00:00Субтитры сделал DimaTorzok
00:30Friday Night Hoops right here on Prime.
00:34The standings in the Eastern Conference.
00:36Detroit is setting the pace.
00:38New York currently tied with Boston at number two.
00:42Four and a half games behind the top spot.
00:45Now welcome, Quartet, everybody.
00:46Ian Eagle along with the coach, Stan Van Gundy.
00:48Cassidy Hubbard on the sidelines.
00:50So great to be with you tonight here in Detroit.
00:53This Knicks team, it's been a rollercoaster ride.
00:56A lot of highs, some lows here and there.
00:59No Carl Anthony Towns tonight.
01:01No O.G. Ananobi because of injury.
01:03What's been your assessment of what we've seen out of New York?
01:06I think you hit it on the head.
01:07It's been a rollercoaster.
01:09Great run through the NBA Cup.
01:11We saw them win that in Las Vegas.
01:14And then a real lull since New Year's Eve.
01:18They go through a 2-9 stretch on January 20th.
01:21Jalen Brunson makes a statement about improved play.
01:24They've won eight consecutive games, the most dominant stretch in franchise history, the best defense in the league in that stretch, and by the way, the best offense also.
01:36They got that double overtime win over Denver two nights ago at the Garden.
01:40If there has been an Achilles heel for the Knicks, it has been on the road where they're playing right around 500 basketball.
01:47Meanwhile, for Detroit, the Pistons, you could say that it's been a surprise this year.
01:53I don't think the Pistons are completely surprised by what they've done so far.
01:58No Jalen Dern tonight dealing with an injury.
02:00They lost last night to Washington here at home.
02:03But they do have Isaiah Stewart.
02:05And moments ago, he was with our own Cassidy Hubbard.
02:08Thanks, Ian.
02:10I'm here with one of the founding members of the Dog Pound, one of the defining identities of this Pistons team.
02:18You guys are at the top of the East.
02:20What do you think has been one of the biggest strengths of the team this year?
02:24I'll say just our identity.
02:26You know, the way we stick to, you know, our system, our principles, try to bring that physicality, that grit, you know, every single game.
02:34And we talked about heading into this matchup that, you know, there was going to have to be another level of focus against this Knicks team.
02:41You don't have Jalen Dern tonight.
02:43They don't have Carl Anthony Towns or OG Ananobi.
02:45So for you personally, how are you focused and what are you focused on to gain an edge inside?
02:51You know, focus-wise, nothing changed.
02:54You know, treat it the same way.
02:56Obviously, they got guys out and, you know, we don't got the big fella tonight.
02:59But, you know, our focus remains the same.
03:02We know how important this game is.
03:03So, you know, we know what we need to do to go get this job done.
03:07Thanks for your time and good luck.
03:09Back to you, Ian Stange.
03:11Yeah, look, Isaiah Stewart, a big part of bringing that defensive mentality to the Pistons.
03:17And then this guy, Cade Cunningham, they rely on him to create the offense.
03:23Asar Thompson's athletic ability on the defense.
03:27This team rides their defense and Cade Cunningham will see what happens.
03:33But, Blake Griffin, what is it that Isaiah Stewart adds to this team?
03:40He just brings an edge.
03:42You know, some guys set the tone with usage and some guys set the tone with force.
03:46And usually that second group is the one that changes the game first.
03:49And he does it time and time again, whether it's block shots, whether it's loose balls.
03:54He might not even get a rebound or block a shot.
03:57But the way he plays, just all out, that sets the tone for the team.
04:01And that brings up the floor defensively.
04:03If he's running around like that, nobody else can dog on defense.
04:06So, he has been a huge reason for their success.
04:10I mean, Stan said it.
04:11They ride Cade Cunningham and they ride their defense.
04:13And he's such a huge part of it.
04:14I mean, stars decide how good you can be, but guys like Isaiah Stewart are the guys who decide who you are.
04:22And they have fully embraced the beef stew mentality.
04:26I love it.
04:27I mean, to your point, so many great defenders on that team.
04:30Jalen Duren even said that Asar Thompson is probably going to be, quote,
04:34the best defender in the league in less than two years.
04:38Swin, what do you see that makes Asar's defense so game-changing?
04:41I think just how he's able to read the passing lanes, right?
04:44So, there's some guys that are really great on the ball,
04:47but then there's those guys that have the ability to get into the passing lane,
04:50to get into you, and just have great instincts.
04:53And I feel like defensively, he has that.
04:55We know the athletic ability is there.
04:56We know you can go rebound.
04:57You can defend multiple positions on the floor.
05:00But his instincts is what really kind of captures me every time I watch them play.
05:06And these guys really, I mean, they challenge each other.
05:09Asar Thompson said that Beef Stew challenged him to win Defensive Player of the Month
05:13after Beef Stew did it in December, and he ended up winning it.
05:17And so, it's those guys that really do set the culture of this Pistons team, Steve.
05:22Well, you said it's culture, right?
05:23One guy goes and gets it, and he challenges the next guy to go and get it.
05:25He's not saying, well, that's my award.
05:27I got to go get it again.
05:28He's, like, challenging his young player to go out and stand out as a defender.
05:31So, I think BG said it all.
05:33The edge that Beef Stew brings is, like, your floor.
05:36And then you have Thompson with this feel and this athleticism.
05:39I mean, the floor of their defense just goes up.
05:40So, even on a bad night, they're a good defensive team.
05:43On other nights, they're so disruptive.
05:44They get into bodies.
05:45They protect the rim.
05:46They have athleticism, length.
05:48A really, really impressive defensive team.
05:50But it starts with that mindset.
05:52And, Dirk, it's really great to see this Pistons team kind of remind you of Pistons
05:56teams historically with the tone they've set.
05:58Yeah, the bad boys, they're playing hard.
06:01They're playing physical.
06:02And they really have all the tools it takes for a good team.
06:05You know, they have length on every position.
06:07They have athletes.
06:08They have shot blockers.
06:09I mean, they have everything you need.
06:10I love Holland.
06:12Give them another defender that's playing super hard.
06:14They have 10 points better on defense with him on the floor.
06:17So, they just have guys that are really good defenders.
06:20They have a nose to get into guys, make it tough.
06:23And so, they've been fun to watch on the defensive end, for sure, get after it.
06:26And Stu is one of those guys, just the heart and soul a little bit.
06:29You know, we all played with guys that are so important to the team.
06:33They set the tone every night on the defensive end.
06:35And Stuart is that.
06:36You want to know how Isaiah Stewart sets the tone?
06:39Third in the NBA with 11 technical fouls this season.
06:43Come on.
06:43Give me two tonight.
06:45That's light work.
06:46That's light work.
06:47Rasheed Wallace, take it back to the bad boys.
06:49Come on.
06:50And high usage and tangle-ups.
06:51Yeah.
06:52Yeah.
06:52Real high.
06:53I didn't mean to slight his game.
06:54He is high usage in those fights.
06:57Do you need a guy like that?
06:59I love it.
06:59This is going to be a fun, physical matchup.
07:01Thank you so much for watching NBA Unprime pregame, presented by CarMax.
07:06Our doubleheader tonight begins in Detroit with a matchup between the top two teams in the
07:12East, the Pistons and the Knicks.
07:14Tip-off is just a few minutes away with I.M. Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, and Cassie Hubberth.
07:18And big shout-out to the Walnut Mustangs high school girls team that was in the building
07:22with us.
07:23Oh, yeah.
07:23We will see you all.
07:25You're watching a special presentation of the NBA Unprime.
07:37There we go.
07:39There we go.
07:40Welcome to the NBA Unprime, presented by Wingstop tonight from Detroit, Michigan.
08:09It is the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons, the top two teams in the Eastern Conference,
08:15going head-to-head right here on Prime.
08:19Check out the starting lineups.
08:21The Knicks, their 18th different starting lineup this season with no Carl Anthony Towns.
08:28Robinson gets the start.
08:30No Ogie on a noby, so Mohamed Diawara gets the nod.
08:34Meanwhile, for Detroit, at 37-13, they're playing without Jalen Duren.
08:41Right knee soreness.
08:43But a formidable group.
08:45Isaiah Stewart is in the starting lineup.
08:48Tobias Harris is back for Detroit.
08:51J.B. Bickerstapp.
08:52What this team has done defensively is astounding.
08:58They are number one in steals.
08:59They are number one in blocks.
09:01Mike Brown, the defense has improved of late, certainly during this eight-game winning streak.
09:05Oh, it certainly has.
09:06Mike Brown and Brendan O'Connor, who's come over from the Clippers and just done a tremendous job with their defense.
09:14In the last eight games, they've been far better than anybody else in the league.
09:19They are allowing 97.4 points per game during the winning streak.
09:25That is much improved from the numbers that we had seen previously on defense from New York.
09:31So the injuries tonight with Carl Anthony Towns sustaining that injury in the first quarter against Denver.
09:45He collided with Spencer Jones, played the game, but is not a go tonight.
09:51OG Ananobi dealing with a toe injury, and we mentioned the Jalen Duren injury.
09:56He left the game early last night, a 126-117 loss to Washington.
10:02Tony Brothers, Trey Maddox, Phenasy, Ransom, our officiating crew.
10:06Ransom puts it in the air, and Detroit controls the tip.
10:12Pistons are in bounce-back mode.
10:15Everybody was shocked at the result last night in the loss to Washington.
10:19They never led.
10:20Stewart, nobody there.
10:22Zero resistance, and he throws it down.
10:24Yeah, Mitchell Robinson slipped, actually went to the floor in just an easy dunk for Isaiah Stewart,
10:31whose biggest job tonight, keep Mitchell Robinson off the glass.
10:35Josh Hart is back in the lineup.
10:37He was dealing with a sprained left ankle.
10:39He missed the Denver game.
10:41Bridges didn't shoot it well the other night.
10:42That's a pretty good way to open up.
10:44It's a three from the corner.
10:46I think the only one he made the other night in that Denver game was the last one he took.
10:50A big one in the overtime, and then he gets one there.
10:54Finished with just five points.
10:56He's playing in his 609th consecutive game, tying John Stockton and Jack Twyman for ninth all-time.
11:03Turnover.
11:04Robinson gets it ahead.
11:06Brunson, flick of the wrist to Bridges.
11:08Wow.
11:10You said it.
11:10Coming off a bad shooting night the other night, he wants to change that around, and he certainly has here early,
11:17and he gets the assignment on Cade Cunningham.
11:20First meeting was January 5th.
11:22It was a Detroit blowout.
11:231-21 to 90.
11:25Cunningham had 29.
11:26Harris, Long Island, New York native, misses it from the side.
11:30Well, and they won that game without Jalen Duren also.
11:34Brunson, step back, J. It is off.
11:39Stewart taps it over to Thompson.
11:42Brunson is coming off a 42.9 assist, 8 rebound performance.
11:47Post up.
11:47Harris, offensive foul.
11:50Contact with Brunson, and he's checking his chicklets.
11:54Well, and Mike Brown is asking him to check it on a flagrant.
11:59And they're gonna.
11:59And I think Tony Brothers will, will go with that, and at least go take a look.
12:08J.B. Bickerstaff not happy with that decision, and I do not think that will rise to being a flagrant.
12:14One of the more offensive foul players will be reviewed to see if it's potentially flagrant.
12:19Just felt like on that first look, he got him more in the shoulder area.
12:23It certainly did.
12:24And look, I think it's, you get a smaller guy down there, you want to try to overpower him.
12:33As deep as Tobias was.
12:34Offensive foul stands, it will be New York ball out of bounds.
12:39Nothing above an offensive foul.
12:41No, and Jalen Brunson, a very good acting job there, because you were absolutely right.
12:47The hit was not to the face.
12:49That is the only downside when you go down so dramatically.
12:56You look at it again and realize, oh wait, he didn't really hit him in the mouth.
13:02Not at all.
13:03But really, all Tobias had to do right there, he already had a foot in the paint, just turn and go over the top.
13:08Yeah.
13:08With the size, there's no reason.
13:10But, that's this Detroit Piston team.
13:14They're going to take every chance to put a body on you.
13:17This is one of the most, if not the most, physical teams in the league.
13:22Brunson is hearing it from the crowd every time he touches the ball.
13:25Robinson hands it off for Bridges.
13:27He's already made a pair of threes.
13:29High screen, Bridges, swing for Hart.
13:32One-on-one with the former Miami Heat.
13:34Robinson.
13:35Hart in the paint.
13:37Good help by Stewart.
13:38Shot clock winding down.
13:39It does hit rim.
13:40Hart ends up on his backside.
13:42He missed it.
13:47Robinson, who had 21 points.
13:50Six of 15 last night from three.
13:53Ball fake.
13:54Robinson.
13:55It's blocked.
13:57Diawara with a rejection.
14:00Diawara cutting.
14:01He did not expect to get that pass.
14:04Bridges handles it.
14:06Forced to give it up.
14:06Still have plenty of time on the shot clock.
14:10Brunson, the little body bump.
14:12Over Robinson.
14:13No.
14:18Clear it now for Cunningham.
14:20All-star starter.
14:22Gets to the rim, but missed it.
14:24Cunningham at 30 points.
14:27Eight rebounds.
14:28Eight assists last night.
14:30They trailed Washington by as many as 22.
14:34Well, Cunningham didn't get much help on the offensive end of the floor last night.
14:38Bridges misses on the running one-hander.
14:43Pushed the pace.
14:45Thompson attacks.
14:46Put some English on it.
14:47And it actually set it up nicely there for the steward finish.
14:52Yeah, you almost want to give us, Sar Thompson, an assist on that one.
14:56You have no background in official scoring, do you?
14:58No, I do not.
15:00Just checking.
15:02Hart.
15:03That was dangerous.
15:04He put it down low.
15:05Turns it over.
15:06Both teams are two of six from the field.
15:08Hop step.
15:09Cunningham.
15:10Cans it.
15:12Cunningham just lives in the paint, as does this entire Detroit team.
15:17Second in the league in paint points.
15:20That's the first, I'm sorry.
15:21In the league in paint points.
15:24Brunson was looking for a call.
15:26Didn't get it.
15:28Leak out.
15:28Cunningham.
15:29Drive.
15:30Kick.
15:30Harris.
15:33Cunningham.
15:34Takes the angle and finishes.
15:36With the left hand.
15:38Diawara leaving his feet on the shot fake.
15:41On a 32% three-point shooter.
15:44The priority's got to be to keep him out of the paint.
15:48And Thompson picks up the foul.
15:50Loses his sneaker in the process.
15:52As he hit Brunson at midcourt.
15:55Well, we have the Knicks already questioning a lot of non-calls.
16:00That one is one of them.
16:02And that happens all the time in Pistons games.
16:06This team leads the league in fouls.
16:08Yes.
16:09They lead the league in opponents getting to the free throw line over 28 times a game.
16:15And the theory seems to be, and it's an old Jerry Sloan when I am, they can't call them all.
16:21And they're just going to beat the heck out of you.
16:24And so we're going to see that all night long.
16:26The Knicks throwing their hands up, wondering where the call was.
16:29You've got to be very strong.
16:31You've got to take care of the ball.
16:33You can't turn it over because you don't want this team to get out in transition on you.
16:38The numbers that you alluded to, number one in both of those categories.
16:438-0 in the paint already for Detroit.
16:49Brunson, step back, put it on the board.
16:54Well, Brunson's so good at that, especially going to his right hand.
16:57Brunson gets that left shoulder into you, steps back to create space, and able to knock it down.
17:05High screen from Stewart.
17:06Bridget trying to work around it.
17:08Cunningham, nice dish.
17:11Thompson had to redirect now with Cunningham.
17:14Shot clock winding down.
17:15Cunningham, those herky-jerky moves.
17:17And it's rebounded by Robinson.
17:19We are tied at 8.
17:22Something that J.B. Bickerstaff said in the first meeting.
17:25They avoided the foul calls on Brunson.
17:27Did a good job staying away from trouble.
17:31And a foul called out front.
17:33Bridget's trying to hand it off to Hart.
17:36And it used the body.
17:39We'll get a timeout.
17:40Pretty much playing out as we imagine.
17:43Physical first quarter in Detroit.
17:49NBA on Prime is brought to you by Wingstop.
17:52Big plays with even bigger flavor.
17:54Wingstop is here.
17:55By CarMax.
17:56Want to drive?
17:58And by Nordic Naturals.
18:00The number one selling Omega-3 brand in the U.S.
18:06Competitive first round series last year.
18:08Really could have gone either way in a six-game win for New York.
18:13Jalen Brunson made what turned out to be the game-sealing shot.
18:17And the crowd remembers.
18:20Because every time he touches it, he's getting booed.
18:22Absolutely.
18:23The last four games of that series were decided by three or fewer points.
18:31New York won all three games here in Detroit.
18:35So Detroit obviously had the chip on the shoulder game one of the regular season this year.
18:40And would like to take it to the Knicks again tonight.
18:43Diawara nails it.
18:45So Mohamed Diawara, the rookie from France, getting the opportunity in the absence of Ananobi and Towns.
18:54And a 10-8 lead for New York.
19:00Cunningham stripped of the ball but a foul on Brunson.
19:03So Cunningham going to the free throw line.
19:09This Knicks rotation will obviously be affected because of the two injuries to the Biggs.
19:18So the Knicks will make changes here after the first free throw from Cunningham.
19:22They've had 13 straight games with 20 points or more against the New York Knicks.
19:28Huckporty, McCuller, and Schammett all checking in for New York.
19:33Diawara will sit.
19:36Robinson's going to get a breather as well.
19:38And Mikel Bridges heads to the bench.
19:47Schammett has really been shooting it well off the bench from three-point territory since January 15th.
19:5446% from downtown.
19:56Well, yeah, in the last three games alone, he's 14 for 26 from three.
20:02He can really get it going in.
20:05Mike Brown likes him even better on the defensive end of the floor.
20:10Brunson kicked Hart.
20:14And Schammett is fouled.
20:15Remember, the Knicks also added Jose Alvarado, New York City native,
20:19came over in a deal from New Orleans.
20:22He is not yet with the squad, but Mike Brown is excited what he brings energy-wise,
20:30what he brings as an on-the-ball defender, picking up full court.
20:34He just thinks he's going to be a major asset.
20:37Yeah, Jose Alvarado is the kind of guy who can change the tempo of a game.
20:41Schammett gets inside and scores.
20:44It was Detroit losing him, and Holland was there defensively but couldn't make the stop.
20:52That was a great pass, too, from Brunson.
20:55Cunningham trying to work through two defenders.
20:57Goes outside.
20:58Robinson give it up.
21:00Stewart.
21:01Ball was put down low, and McCuller with the takeaway.
21:06That's a great hustle by McCuller.
21:08First to the floor to come up with that loose ball.
21:11Schammett misses on a three.
21:12Hupporty couldn't grab it, and Holland clears.
21:16Cunningham, drop it inside.
21:18Stewart, very fluid.
21:21Stewart knew exactly what he wanted to do when he got the ball.
21:24Well, I love the way Stewart runs to the rim in transition and seals deep.
21:30Brunson misses from three-point territory.
21:32They crash the boards with Robinson.
21:35Yeah, New York usually very active on the offensive glass.
21:38We haven't seen that at all here early in the game.
21:42Kick it.
21:43Holland.
21:45Off the mark.
21:46Actually, both these teams very good on the offensive glass, and neither one of them going real hard to the glass early.
21:53Hart shovels.
21:53Hupporty missed it.
21:55Trying to float it in off the window.
21:58Cunningham.
22:00He gets fouled by Hart.
22:06That's what we're talking about with Stewart.
22:08Look, just runs to the rim and seals the smaller McCullers.
22:12And I love the way he reacts to that.
22:16On the catch.
22:18Doesn't give him any time to come in to help.
22:20Just goes up.
22:20No dribble.
22:21No dip of the ball.
22:23Just up over the top of the smaller defender.
22:25And with no Jalen Duren tonight, Detroit's rotation affected.
22:29Paul Reed is in.
22:31Cunningham rims out on a three.
22:34And a foul is called on Reed.
22:37On the rebound action.
22:39Karis LaVert also in the game for the Pistons.
22:41Yeah, that's what Paul Reed's going to do.
22:42He's only played 41 minutes here in the last four weeks.
22:46Because he's behind Duren and Stewart.
22:49But this guy is a great rebounder.
22:52In those 41 minutes, 18 rebounds.
22:56Five of them on the offensive end.
22:59Knicks have a one-point lead over Detroit.
23:01Both teams are shooting it at 38%.
23:03And just one offensive rebound so far tonight.
23:08Shot clock is down to 10.
23:11Brunson handed off to McCuller.
23:14Now Huck 40 way outside.
23:17Timer down to three.
23:19Swing it.
23:20Hart is ready.
23:21But misses on the J.
23:24The defense on both ends has been outstanding.
23:27We've seen it from the Knicks lately.
23:28And we've seen it from Detroit all year long.
23:31Ten-year veteran Karis LaVert using the screen from Reed.
23:36Gives it up.
23:37Reed, the push shot comes up short.
23:39And Huck 40 is there.
23:42A little bit of a knuckleball ahead for the Shaman three.
23:45And it won't go.
23:48Shots are not going down for either team.
23:50The Knicks have missed their last five.
23:52I didn't like that shot only because McCullers was open for a layup underneath.
23:58You like that shot?
23:59I did.
24:00Cunningham drains it from long range.
24:02I like the fact that Cunningham's willing to shoot that.
24:05He hasn't had a great year shooting it.
24:07Only at 32% from three coming in.
24:10But if you go under on the pick and roll, he will shoot it.
24:13That's going to open up the rest of his game.
24:16Good look from Hart.
24:17We are tied at 14, three-minute mark of the opening quarter.
24:25The top two teams in the Eastern Conference.
24:28They vacate the area.
24:30Runway for Cunningham.
24:32And he gets there for two.
24:33That's just way too easy.
24:35He got that ball to the rim much too easily there.
24:41And a foul on Cunningham.
24:43Just scored his tenth point.
24:45But that's number two on Cade Cunningham.
24:51Pistons up on the Knicks by two.
24:55First quarter action continues from Motown.
25:01Black History Month as we remember one of the greats.
25:06Earl the Big Cat Lloyd.
25:08Trailblazer October 31st, 1950.
25:11First African American to play in an NBA game.
25:13Won a championship.
25:15One of the first black players to do so.
25:171955 with Syracuse.
25:19And a coaching pioneer.
25:21First as an assistant coach.
25:22Then as a head coach inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
25:26Right.
25:27And it's the last team he played for, the Detroit Pistons.
25:31And the team that he coached as a head coach, the Detroit Pistons.
25:35Out of the timeout.
25:38Brunson goes high off the window.
25:40Huffordy trying to keep it alive.
25:41But it's controlled there by Reed.
25:44Well, Brunson off to a tough start.
25:45One for six.
25:48Jenkins in the game for Detroit.
25:50Clarkson in for New York.
25:52Harris the turnaround.
25:53He's fouled.
25:54Free throws here for the 15-year veteran Tobias Harris.
26:03And Clarkson picks it up.
26:05Upcoming national TV schedule tomorrow on ABC.
26:08Houston is in OKC.
26:10Thunder now banged up.
26:12Golden State taking on the Lakers.
26:15And here on Prime Video tomorrow night, the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs.
26:196 o'clock Eastern.
26:20For more on these games, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
26:26Tobias Harris.
26:28J.B. Bickerstaff.
26:29Happy to have him back.
26:33Cassidy, what does J.B. Bickerstaff call?
26:37I mean, Mike Brown call?
26:38Or J.B. Bickerstaff.
26:39I'm sorry.
26:40I'm all confused.
26:41What does he call Tobias Harris?
26:43He calls him a safety blanket.
26:45You know, one of the quiet keys to their success has been Tobias.
26:48And the steady veteran presence, calming influence someone players lean on in big moments.
26:54Teammates call him unk, but J.B. calls him safety blanket.
26:58Am I with Stan Van Gundy or Jeff Van Gundy?
27:00Yeah, I mean, you know what?
27:02I know this.
27:03No one's as confused out here as I am.
27:05Bridges misses on a 3.
27:07Huff 40.
27:07Taps it over to Clarkson.
27:09Extended possession here for New York.
27:11But they're just not making shots.
27:13Bridges, the floater.
27:14No.
27:14And that ball is out of bounds.
27:16Last touched by New York.
27:21Three offensive rebounds, but no points in that possession.
27:25No, but that's New York Knicks basketball right there.
27:28They really are based on three-point shooting and offensive rebounding.
27:33Their two biggest strengths.
27:36Jenkins, the St. John's product.
27:41Gives it up for Levert.
27:43Zigzag move.
27:44Pull-up pop.
27:44It's good.
27:48And the Pistons extend their lead.
27:5020-14.
27:52Detroit wrapping up a four-game homestand tonight.
27:58Brunson was looking for the give-and-go from Huff 40.
28:00Kick it.
28:01Extra.
28:02Sham it.
28:02Deep corner.
28:04Rips out.
28:04Popped up in the air.
28:05Grabbed by Sham it.
28:07Bridges the reload.
28:07Way off.
28:10Huff 40, the attempt, but Jenkins grabs it.
28:15Jenkins drives.
28:16Jenkins finishes.
28:18And the foul.
28:19Dennis Jenkins gets to the rack.
28:21Well, that's what Detroit wants.
28:26They want to get out in transition.
28:29Second in the league in fast-break points.
28:32Jenkins right to the rim there.
28:35And he's played a big role for this team, especially in the games that Cade Cunningham has missed.
28:41He's got good size at 6'4.
28:4824-year-old, originally from Dallas, Cunningham on the bench with two fouls.
28:53Jenkins was at Iona playing for Rick Pitino before Pitino took the St. John's job, and Jenkins followed him to Queens.
29:01And there is a deep cleanup taking place on the other side of the floor.
29:06So, I think when Huck Porte went down, he took some drinks with him.
29:11Well.
29:17So, here was Huck Porte.
29:19He lays out, and then he's safe.
29:23But look at the ice, and it's everywhere.
29:26It is everywhere.
29:27You can't play under those conditions.
29:29And Jenkins gets a chance to make this free throw because they weren't aligned correctly in a lane violation against New York.
29:44So, two to make one.
29:47Nine-nothing run.
29:50Knicks are two of 11 from three-point territory.
29:53Remember, Bridges hit his first two threes of the night.
29:56The Knicks have missed their last nine attempts from beyond the arc.
30:00Brunson, one-on-one with Harris.
30:02Gets to the paint.
30:03That won't go.
30:06Brunson now one for eight.
30:09Laverne, par drive.
30:11Dish.
30:11Reed.
30:12Two-handed flush.
30:16Eleven-nothing run for Detroit.
30:18Well, you wouldn't know Detroit's the team that played last night.
30:21I mean, they just look like they're a full step faster on every possession than New York is.
30:30Knicks 0 for their last eight.
30:33They need a bucket.
30:34Clarkson provides it with a triple.
30:37One of the great bench scorers we've had in this league over the last decade-plus.
30:45One second left.
30:46Jenkins lines it up.
30:47Knocks it down!
30:49At the horn!
30:50It's a three!
30:57A 14-3 run to end the first quarter for the number one team in the East, the Detroit Pistons.
31:07And he clearly beat the clock.
31:11Second quarter action coming up.
31:14The NBA on Prime.
31:15Welcome back to Detroit, and I am joined by a very special guest alongside Mary Sheffield,
31:36the first-ever woman elected as the mayor of Detroit.
31:40You're also a very proud Pistons fan, and you have a lot to be proud of as they sit at the top of the East with a big lead so far after the first quarter.
31:48But where do you sit as the mayor?
31:50What does this Pistons team mean to the city right now?
31:52You know, I think it just really embodies who we are as a city.
31:56Resiliency, determination, constantly evolving and getting better.
32:00And so they are just a reflection of the pride and the spirit of our city.
32:04And as you probably know, Detroit has been through a major resurgence.
32:08People who come here and see the growth are very proud of what we've overcome.
32:11I'm just proud of the continued progress and trajectory of our amazing city.
32:15And for the first time in a while, all of the major Detroit sports teams are in downtown,
32:20and they're all competing at an elite level.
32:22So how is that sports momentum adding to the energy of the city?
32:26You know, sports is a way to always bring us together.
32:29People from all over the state of Michigan and from other places come to Detroit,
32:32and it's a pride that we have in our city.
32:34So great for the economy, but also great for just building community right here in our great city.
32:39I said you're a big Pistons fan, so do you have a favorite Piston?
32:42It could be all-time.
32:43Well, I can't pick favorites.
32:45I love all of the Detroit Pistons, but I actually go back to Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince.
32:50And so I've always loved our Detroit Pistons,
32:52and I'm very proud as the mayor of this city to see them where they are today.
32:56We've been waiting a long time, so very, very grateful
32:59and cannot wait to see where they go the rest of the season.
33:01And I'm going to fill in the blank for you.
33:02Your favorite Pistons head coach is our very own Sam Van Gundy.
33:06I'm just going to let you – I'm going to fill that answer in for you.
33:09Thank you so much.
33:10Thank you.
33:10Good luck with your first term, and thank you so much for joining us.
33:13Go Pistons.
33:13Back to you, I am.
33:14All right, Cassidy, thank you so much, and impressed by the mayor's knowledge.
33:19Absolutely.
33:19The only thing I didn't like there, her favorite Pistons player of all time,
33:24should have been Dave Bing, who was also a mayor of Detroit.
33:29All right, next time.
33:30That's my only point of contention with the mayor there.
33:34Meanwhile, the Pistons continue to put up points.
33:37Bridges on a fadeaway, and he nails it.
33:39Detroit is shooting 61 percent, five of eight from three-point territory.
33:46Javante Green in the game.
33:48Kolek for New York.
33:50Holland was trying to go up high to Green, and it's out of bounds.
33:53Well, but the Pistons have had control of the pace here.
33:57And if they can get in transition before the Knicks can set their defense, they'll have great success.
34:03That's something J.B. Bickerstaff really wants.
34:07He talked to us about it before the game.
34:09He knows they don't have great shooting.
34:13They've only got the one great shot, 3-8-er.
34:16So they need to be in transition.
34:19The pace has been to their liking early.
34:21No Jalen Duren tonight.
34:23The All-Star is out with right knee soreness.
34:26Knocked away by Green.
34:27And a three-on-one developing.
34:29Levert slicing.
34:31Kicking.
34:31Jenkins.
34:32Missed it.
34:34Rebounded by Green.
34:35Reed sidestep.
34:36Jenkins again.
34:37Got him.
34:42Well, that's what they want.
34:43They create the turnover.
34:45They get out in transition.
34:46They get on the offensive glass.
34:48He saw almost everything that J.B. Bickerstaff wants on that one.
34:52Bridges with a deep shot.
34:54And the Knicks are 5-5 in the second quarter.
34:57Yet, they're down by double digits.
35:02You have to get some stops.
35:04And Jenkins is fouled.
35:05And here's been a problem with New York.
35:07They are a top-five defense at home in Madison Square Garden.
35:12But on the road, the Knicks, a bottom-10 defense.
35:1621st.
35:17And then there's the Pistons' defense to create the turnover.
35:21And then off the offensive rebound,
35:24Dennis Jenkins gets a second chance and won't miss that.
35:28Second foul on Bridges.
35:30He's the high man with 13.
35:32Off the drive by Levert.
35:34Oh, what a tough angle!
35:37Green rattles home a triple from the deep corner.
35:41Well, look, Detroit not normally a good three-point shooting team.
35:44If they're going to shoot it like this for three, they're almost unbeatable.
35:48Clarkson lost it.
35:50Defense there from Jenkins.
35:52Another transition opportunity.
35:55Jenkins steps into it.
35:56Short follows it.
35:57And a reload for Holland.
36:01Reed steps through and finishes.
36:03Mike Brown has seen it up.
36:04The Pistons just playing too fast for New York right now.
36:11And they're up 17.
36:17From the wing, presented by Wingstop, Jalen Brunson held at two points in the first quarter.
36:21The lowest scoring first quarter of the season.
36:24Wow, and he's running into bodies all the time.
36:26There's contact on every play.
36:29You can see keeping a body on him as much as possible.
36:33Always keeping size on him.
36:36One for eight in the first quarter.
36:38Came in as the second leading scorer in the first quarter this season behind just Luka Doncic.
36:44And the Knicks find themselves down by 17 to the number one team in the East, the Detroit Pistons.
36:53Spin.
36:53Clarkson denied by Holland.
36:55Foul call.
36:59Ron Holland, the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, could not believe this call went against him.
37:09Yeah, that's not a foul.
37:11I'm with Ron Holland on that one.
37:12And a little surprised we don't have a challenge coming from the Pistons on that.
37:19J.B. Bickerstaff looked over at the coaches behind the bench who are in charge of potential challenges.
37:28Clarkson, that's the first free throw attempt of the night for New York.
37:32What I didn't like there was Finnezy Ransom's angle.
37:36He's the guy on the baseline.
37:37I don't know how he possibly sees that.
37:40And I think both of the other two officials, Trey Maddox and Tony Brothers, would have had better looks at that than he did.
37:46And the Knicks are averaging just under 120 points per game during this eight-game winning streak.
37:54They are down by 15 with 8-15 to play second quarter.
37:59The bench scoring 27-7 in favor of Detroit.
38:02LeVert, switch out front.
38:06He fires.
38:08Rebound, knocked to the outside, and Kolek claims it.
38:13Pistons match up defensively.
38:17Hart, trying to get inside.
38:19The fadeaway, no.
38:21Robinson attempted to guide it, but it's grabbed by LeVert.
38:24Green, right down the middle for two.
38:27Scoop to the hoop.
38:29Well, they just run it right by New York.
38:31New York have no luck getting back and getting their defense set tonight.
38:36Transition defense is going to have to be a lot better.
38:39Javonte Green bringing a lot of energy.
38:41He's got eight points.
38:42Holland takes it away from Clarkson.
38:45Pistons on the move once again.
38:47Green, bullet feed.
38:48Reed in a crowd.
38:49He missed it.
38:51And it's out of bounds.
38:54Off of Kolek.
38:57Well, look, here it is again, just pushing the ball up the floor.
39:02Javonte Green just right past him.
39:05Right now, this is a simple deal here.
39:10They're just getting outworked by the Pistons.
39:13The Knicks are getting totally outworked in every facet of the game.
39:18Robinson and Kolek sit.
39:22Shaman is back in.
39:24Diawara returns, as does Brunson.
39:28And Stewart and Cunningham now on the floor for Detroit.
39:32Cunningham lines it up.
39:34And it's rebounded by Hart.
39:37Quickly up the floor.
39:41Brunson gets a touch.
39:42Fires.
39:43Won't come.
39:45That's a good look, though.
39:46New York gets their best looks in transition with Hart rebounds and pushes the ball.
39:53And Brunson's going to get called for a push as Green barreled into another body.
40:01Brunson is one of nine from the field.
40:04The Knicks are shooting 36%.
40:05Well, and you see this a lot.
40:08Brunson wants to show on the pick and roll.
40:11So he pushes the guy up, gets out on the show, makes it a little easier.
40:16Referee, great job there catching that on Trey Maddox.
40:20And this one's going to go the other way as Shammott took the brunt of it.
40:24And Stewart setting that screen out front.
40:27I'll give both players credit, though, Brunson and Stewart.
40:30At least neither one of them had the temerity to argue the call.
40:34They were both obvious.
40:35They both said, all right, you got me.
40:37Let's go on.
40:40The small victories in life, Stan.
40:43That ball ricochets out of bounds off of Detroit.
40:46Well, this Detroit team, that's what they do.
40:49They attack, attack, attack.
40:52At both ends of the floor.
40:53They attack every dribble, every pass, every shot.
40:57Lead the league in steals.
40:59Lead the league in blocked shots.
41:01And then at the other end, it's all about attack the rim and attack the offensive glass.
41:07And Holland, who's an excellent defender, sits.
41:11He's replaced by Thompson, who is an elite defender.
41:14Dio Wara forced to give it a shot from the outside.
41:17It's a shot clock violation.
41:19He doesn't draw iron.
41:20They were going to run out of time.
41:22Well, New York knew they were going to see this tonight early on.
41:26This is Detroit's game anyway.
41:29But then, they're coming off maybe their worst loss of the season last night.
41:34Losing to an undermanned Washington team at home.
41:38You knew there would be a response.
41:40And another offensive foul.
41:44Stewart was trying to set it up for Cunningham.
41:47And then, body's bumped with Shamit going down.
41:51It's going to be Cunningham picking up his third.
41:54Well, look.
41:56Detroit is willing to take those chances.
41:58They're willing to take the fouls to be physical.
42:01But Stewart's got to be a little bit smarter tonight on those fouls.
42:06Because they don't have Doreen.
42:07They need him in the game today.
42:09Second half of a back-to-back for Detroit.
42:12They've won seven straight in the second half of back-to-backs.
42:17And that is going to be another one against the Pistons.
42:25It's Cunningham.
42:26That's his third.
42:30So, it's his third.
42:31The previous call on Stewart.
42:37And Cunningham's last two fouls have been ones he doesn't have to give away.
42:42They've both been with the hands pushing.
42:44That's not physical play.
42:46Thompson erases Shamit's attempt from the outside.
42:51Out of bounds.
42:52One second left on the shot clock.
42:54Well, this is dominant, dominant defense by the Pistons.
42:59It's hard for New York to even get a shot up on the rim.
43:04Shamit bounces.
43:06Diawara gets the shot off and beats the shot clock for two.
43:1347-32 Pistons.
43:15As we are just past the midway point of the second quarter.
43:21Shamit trying to defend Cunningham.
43:23Two-man game with Stewart.
43:25Now Robinson gets involved.
43:28Robinson the drive.
43:29Dish.
43:29Stewart camps himself underneath for the deuce.
43:32Duncan Robinson, mainly a three-point shooter,
43:36but has really improved over his time in the league
43:39as a playmaker, a passer.
43:42So, Stewart getting the start tonight.
43:44He is four of four.
43:45Eight points, two rebounds.
43:47Out of bounds.
43:47Last touched by Detroit.
43:53Duncan Robinson could not do this when he first came in the league,
43:57but draws the help.
43:58A great dish to Stewart, who converts.
44:02He's four for four on the night.
44:04Robinson originally from Newcastle, New Hampshire.
44:10Michigan is his adopted home.
44:12College there, and, of course, now with the Pistons.
44:16Huck 40.
44:17To Shamit.
44:17He fires.
44:18Connex for three.
44:21Shamit's confidence has never been higher in his time in the league
44:26than it is here.
44:27He's been empowered by this coaching staff.
44:30He's gotten the opportunity, and he's made the most of it.
44:34And he's in year number eight in the NBA, a first-round pick back in 2018.
44:38He's played with Philly, the Clippers, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Washington, and the Knicks.
44:43And defensive three seconds the call.
44:45So, the Pistons will get a free throw here.
44:50Mike Brown said they changed some things defensively,
44:54and the players have responded to it.
44:56They've taken ownership in it.
44:57Yeah, he tried to simplify some things.
45:00They're back to trying to keep the ball on the side
45:02rather than having it go to the middle of the floor.
45:06They simplified their pick-and-roll defense.
45:09But, look, the main adjustment is what it always is on the defensive end.
45:13They've simply played a lot harder.
45:15Let's get more from Cassidy.
45:17Yeah, I asked Jalen what the biggest difference was,
45:19and he didn't hesitate, emphasizing their communication,
45:22saying there was just a better sense of having each other's backs
45:24and a level of certainty that they have everything,
45:27that they are in everything that they do.
45:29And he said even if they make a wrong call,
45:31they're responding with a level of urgency
45:33that they didn't have during their slide
45:35and wonder if the communication is not at its best tonight, guys.
45:38Cunningham, that spin and fade.
45:40He does draw the foul and will shoot a pair at the 4.22 mark
45:44of the second quarter.
45:47And that's going to be number three on Mikkel Bridges.
45:51Gave him one too many games on the consecutive streak.
45:53He's at 6-0-8 consecutive games.
45:57And they're going to challenge this.
46:01Mike Brown challenging the foul call against Bridges
46:05with the Pistons up by 15 over the Knicks.
46:09Welcome back.
46:14You're watching the NBA on Prime, presented by Wingstop.
46:18The Knicks have won the challenge.
46:20The officials determined there was no foul on Mikkel Bridges.
46:25Jordan Brink, who makes those calls, the back bench.
46:29Yeah, Jordan Brink, and started his career here in Detroit.
46:32I brought him into the league here in Detroit.
46:35He's got his nephews here tonight,
46:37outfitted in New York Knicks gear in Detroit.
46:43Had the best percentage in the league last year winning challenges.
46:46Haven't checked on that this year,
46:48but that's a very important job.
46:51Jordan's a real up-and-coming guy.
46:52That's not the only thing he does.
46:54This guy can really coach and is a future star.
46:58Do you think his nephew stood up and said,
46:59Hey, my uncle just won the challenge.
47:01I don't know, but that's a lot of camera time for Jordan Brink.
47:06We just helped him out there.
47:08I like that.
47:10And it looks like he was freshly groomed as well.
47:13The beard is looking on point.
47:15The beard is, you know, a new, relatively new.
47:19Didn't have that when he was here.
47:21Don't even know if he could have grown that
47:23when he started here in 2015.
47:26And the Knicks controlled a tip there
47:28because there was no clear possession.
47:30They had a jump ball at midcourt.
47:32Brunson trying to get it going.
47:34Cannot.
47:35Too strong.
47:36And again, you see everybody on the Knicks
47:37throwing up their arms thinking he was fouled.
47:40See that a lot in the Pistons games.
47:42You're going to get hit a lot.
47:44You've got to be not only physically tough,
47:47you've got to be mentally tough
47:48to play through some calls
47:50because they are not going to call the ball.
47:53Robinson laces a three.
47:55Well, Robinson on fire
47:57over the last 14 games coming in.
47:59Shoot 45% on eight attempts a game.
48:03And they've got their largest lead of the night.
48:06Brunson, two bodies there.
48:08Give it up.
48:09Huckporty is fouled.
48:11So they surrounded Brunson.
48:15He was fortunate just to get rid of the ball.
48:17And Huckporty found himself
48:18alone for a moment until the defense converged.
48:27Ariel Huckporty, 70% of the free throw line this season
48:30to shoot a pair.
48:32And it's the third foul on Stewart.
48:34Well, we said this Pistons team
48:41leads the lead in fouls.
48:43Pitcheck presented by Lexus.
48:46Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers
48:49taking on the Sacramento Kings
48:51and DeMar DeRozan.
48:54We'll have all the action for you right here
48:56on Prime, second half of our NBA doubleheader.
49:00I'm not neutral on that one.
49:02I am not neutral on that game.
49:04I'm a Clipper fan, supporting my brother.
49:08The Clippers need a win.
49:09They've lost a couple in a row.
49:10You just wear it on your sleeves, Dan.
49:12Absolutely.
49:13Respect that.
49:15Blood is thicker than water.
49:18Knicks will control it.
49:19Jenkins with the miss.
49:22Robinson back in for New York,
49:23replacing Huckporty.
49:25Playing without Carl Anthony Towns
49:27and OG Ananobi.
49:29Pistons are without Jalen Duren.
49:34Towns still wearing those sunglasses
49:38after suffering, suffering a eye laceration.
49:46A cut above his right eye
49:49in the victory over Denver.
49:51Double overtime.
49:52Hart fade away.
49:54No good.
49:55And he went head-to-head with Spencer Jones
49:57who had to leave the game,
49:59never came back.
50:0253-37.
50:04Pistons.
50:04Under three minutes to go in this first half.
50:07Harris.
50:08Caught by Thompson.
50:09Nine to shoot.
50:11Robinson trying to get around hard.
50:13It's Reed.
50:15Misses on a three ball.
50:18Runs it ahead.
50:19Caught by Bridges.
50:20Touchdown, Knicks.
50:22Great pass.
50:2615 for Mikel Bridges.
50:31He's about the only one doing anything
50:33offensively for New York.
50:35The lob.
50:36Thompson the catch.
50:37And the kick.
50:38Harris fires.
50:39And hits a three.
50:40When the Pistons shoot the three well,
50:49they become very, very hard to beat.
50:51Runs it trying to answer.
50:53Cannot.
50:54He's one for 11 now.
50:560 for 5 for 3.
50:58And again, the Pistons just fly down the floor.
51:03New York are step slow all night.
51:06Thompson punches it down
51:08to give Detroit a 19-point lead,
51:12their largest cushion of the night.
51:14And some activity along the baseline
51:16with Robinson and Schammett.
51:19Foul call.
51:23That's a great pass by Brunson.
51:25And I saw Thompson getting it for Duncan Robinson
51:33just ran by the Knicks team.
51:37The Knicks, we've talked about their defensive improvement.
51:40We're not seeing it tonight.
51:42Bridges steps into it,
51:43but can't hit the three.
51:45It is not clicking for New York.
51:52Harris, one-on-one with Hart.
51:56It's a good battle right here.
51:58The fade, short, rebounded by Hart.
52:00You're not going to bully Josh Hart.
52:02I coach both of those guys.
52:03Love them both.
52:05Thompson flying in for the block.
52:08Hart had it negated.
52:09Just over a minute to go in this first half.
52:14Robinson off the double-team.
52:18Jenkins drive.
52:20Oh, nice fake by Jenkins,
52:23and it rattles home.
52:28We have a clock issue right now
52:30as they stop it.
52:32The clock continued to roll.
52:36Wow.
52:36You know it's a major block
52:38when you get it with your wrist.
52:40You don't even need your hand.
52:42He almost hit his head on the backboard right there.
52:46I'll tell you what,
52:46the Thompson twins, both of them,
52:49these guys are unbelievable defenders and competitors.
52:55Asar Thompson putting up 10.6 points per game,
53:00six rebounds, just under three assists,
53:03two steals per game.
53:05Brings that seven-foot wingspan,
53:08and he's so bouncy.
53:10That's 6'7", 205.
53:15The lead is ballooned at 21.
53:18Brunson.
53:20And he gets the roll.
53:22That's a tough shot, though.
53:23If you're going to make him take those type of shots all night,
53:27it's going to be tough for New York to get back in the game.
53:29Gets, Ginnis is very aggressive.
53:32And Harris connects from deep.
53:36That's a great pass by Dennis Jenkins,
53:39who's had a big impact on this game
53:41with Kate Cunningham's foul trouble.
53:44Squeezing through.
53:46Brunson gets the call.
53:48Detroit is 10 of 17 from three-point territory.
53:54The Knicks are 5 of 19.
53:58And that'll be Brunson's first trip to the line.
54:03Usually gets there about six times a game.
54:07J.B. Bickerstaff talking before the game
54:09about the importance of keeping him specifically off the line.
54:13They went 16 of 19 of the free-throw line against Denver.
54:19This is going to be free-throw attempt number 5 and 6 for New York.
54:23And even that one doesn't go.
54:25Time for our live update presented by FanDuel.
54:29Right now, Detroit, minus 17 and a half.
54:33The over-under, 2-11 and a half.
54:3621.6 on the clock.
54:38Diawara back in.
54:39Well, Detroit, this is an incredible streak they're on.
54:44It's not one you hear about a lot.
54:45But to win seven straight games on the second night of a back-to-back,
54:49this would be their eighth.
54:51That's a difficult thing to do.
54:53And it shows you the mental and physical toughness of this team.
55:0185% of the season for Brunson.
55:04And he goes one out of two.
55:09Pistons could hold for one.
55:16Well, I think what we're going to see, the Pistons have a foul to give.
55:20I think they will take it.
55:22And then Kevin McCullers is going to come in the game for Brunson here
55:26so that Brunson doesn't get a third foul
55:29and to get more size and defense into the game.
55:31Stay tuned for the half, presented by AT&T.
55:35Taylor Rooks, Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Swin Cash all coming up.
55:44So the Knicks use that foul.
55:47Jenkins matched up with Schammett.
55:4812 seconds on the clock.
55:51Swing it.
55:52Reed didn't handle it initially.
55:54Robinson does.
55:54Clanks on a three.
55:57Knocked out of bounds.
55:58Off of Detroit.
55:59So the Knicks will have four and a half seconds to work with.
56:02And Mike Brown will get Brunson back into the game.
56:05Brunson and Bridges.
56:07That shot was taken a little too early there, in my opinion, by Duncan Robinson.
56:13You're holding for the last shot of the half.
56:16Had it been an open look, fine.
56:19But that was a tough shot to take with that much time.
56:23So Pistons will pick up full court.
56:26Hart, the trigger man.
56:29Fires.
56:29Schammett into the hands of Brunson.
56:31Two seconds.
56:32One second.
56:34Rejected.
56:36At the buzzer by Reed.
56:42Spectacular first half for the Detroit Pistons.
56:44They shoot 54% from the field, 56% from three, and they lock down Jalen Brunson.
56:52That's the biggest part of it to me.
56:54That great Pistons defense.
56:57Halftime, 63-42, Detroit.
57:01You're watching the NBA on Prime, presented by Wingstop.
57:06Don't pay for the bag, I pay semesters.
57:08I turn dream girls to my new extras.
57:11Had players recognized.
57:11Welcome to The Half, presented by AT&T.
57:20Halftime in Detroit.
57:21The Pistons just dominating so far.
57:23They lead the Knicks 63-42.
57:25Welcome in.
57:26I'm Taylor Rich with Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Swincash, and Blake Griffin.
57:30Pistons are averaging more points on the second night of a back-to-back than any team in the NBA.
57:35They are up 21 at the half.
57:36And Blake, they are just playing their brand of basketball, getting to the rim, and that begins with their all-stars.
57:42Cade Cunningham.
57:42Yeah, it does.
57:43I thought the starters did a good job of just setting the tone.
57:45And after last night's loss, I think that was probably talked about in the locker room.
57:50And they came out and did not disappoint.
57:51But what I liked is they didn't really settle, right?
57:53They got into the paint.
57:55To the teeth of the defense.
57:56Cade got downhill.
57:57Made some shots.
57:58And really, truly set the tone for this team.
58:02And then that just sets up the rest of the team, right?
58:05The bench came in and did a great job there.
58:07Yeah, I agree.
58:08And I think their defense really set the tone.
58:10I'm sure after last night they had an earful in the meetings from coach.
58:14Really went after it.
58:16Didn't really give the Knicks much.
58:17And then the bench came in and really got hot from three, including Jenkins, who, you know,
58:23picked up.
58:24He's a disruptor.
58:25He attacked a couple times here.
58:26You see bench points 31 to 12.
58:29They got hot.
58:30They're 10 for 18 from three, which is obviously not really their strength.
58:34But tonight, you know, just being all over the place, getting – and then they're getting
58:38also bounces.
58:39So their bench has been terrific.
58:41And that's part of why they blew the game open.
58:43Yeah, I saw that second unit has 31 of the Pistons points.
58:46The Knicks starters have combined for 30.
58:49But, I mean, Steve, they are missing some guys.
58:50No Cat, no OG.
58:52That's showing up in the struggling offense.
58:54It definitely is.
58:55And I think Detroit did an amazing job with the game plan.
58:57Without Cat pulling a center away from the basket, without OG bringing length away from
59:02the basket as well, they just loaded up on Brunson, made him play in a crowd, shrunk the floor
59:06on him.
59:06You can see struggling tonight.
59:08But a lot of that is that they're able to pack the pain on Brunson and live with other guys
59:12playing the game.
59:13So, great game plan and great execution by the Pistons.
59:16Yeah, and I think on the other side of that, for the Knicks, when you understand you're
59:19going to be down a few guys offensively, defensively is where your effort has to show up to start
59:25the game.
59:25And I thought, you can't be giving up 10 for 18 from the three-point line, 55% for Detroit,
59:32a team that we know struggled from the three.
59:34And then you also don't defend the paint, right?
59:37And so, both of those are double whammies.
59:39And I felt like they just put themselves in a hole early because they weren't picking
59:43one or the other.
59:44At least run them off the line, get them into the paint, make them do something different.
59:47But they didn't have anything going, guys.
59:49Yeah, especially when you're under man, like going...
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