The New York Knicks (2-2) are headed to The Palace of Auburn Hills to take on the Detroit Pistons (0-3). They are heading into a tough stretch where they have four games in five nights. Tonight's game will be their second game of a back-to-back, and it will also be the first game of their three game road trip. 

Although it's early in the season, it has been a rollercoaster ride throughout the first few games. Yes, the Knicks are still learning the Triangle Offense, and they are still attempting to build chemistry. However, that shouldn't excuse them from their poor third quarter performances that continued to trend negatively since their last season. In their first game of the season, which was also their home opener, they were blown out in the third quarter 31-17 (NBA.com). They ended up losing that game to the Chicago Bulls 104-80. In last night's loss to the Washington Wizards, they headed into the third quarter with a 45-40 lead. However, they lost the third quarter 32-15, which eventually cost them the game. If they would've kept the third quarter close, they would've had a real chance to win those games. This is a consistent issue in which Derek Fisher needs to find a solution, and he needs to find it quickly. The way they start isn't the issue. It's the way they finish.

This will come to play a big part in tonight's matchup against the Pistons. The Pistons record heading into the matchup shouldn't mirror their performance in tonight's game. They're one of the teams that could easily make it to the playoffs despite their early performance. They have players on their roster that can heat up quickly such as Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond, and Brandon Jennings. Their bigs, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, could easily give Samuel Dalembert and Amar'e Stoudemire a tough battle in the paint. Dalembert and Stoudemire will have to make it difficult in the paint in order to prevent the tough matchup. If they do get going in the paint, they could easily get Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith going from the perimeter. If that happens, it will be a long night for the Knicks, and it will be a bad start to their three game road trip. 

Another facet of their game that the Knicks will need to control is their turnovers. They are averaging 15.5 turnovers so far throughout their first four games. As long as they minimize their turnovers, they will be able to control the offensive end of their game. However, this shouldn't discourage them from passing the ball. They have been passing the ball well, as they are eighth in the league in assists with an average of 22.0 assists (NBA.com). Although, they are eighth in the league in assists, they are only 29th in the league in points per game with 88.5 (NBA.com). They desperately need their role players to contribute on the offensive end. Carmelo Anthony will consistently contribute, but the role players are having a difficult time getting into their offensive flow. Iman Shumpert struggled a bit early on, but he has shown that he will contribute in clutch situations when the team needs him to perform. In the first four games, he is averaging 12.8 points per game (NBA.com). In last night's loss to the Wizards, he had 19 points in 30 minutes of play. This was expected of him last season, and it'll continue to be expected of him this season.

The Knicks will have to continue passing the ball, and the role players will need to contribute on the offensive end as well as the defensive end. If they do, this will lead to a bounce back win against the Pistons, and it'll be a great start to their three game road trip.  

The New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons Wednesday night at 7:30 pm EST.