The New York Knicks ended their eight-game losing streak Friday night in Detroit. It wasn't easy, and it took them two extra quarters to get it done. The fight was there tonight and countless lead changes, but the Knicks kept battling behind Andrea Bargnani's best game in more than a year.
The New York Knicks are in a tough position right now. They came in to Detroit with the league's worst record and President Phil Jackson would rather the team lose the rest of their games to position themselves to hit the jackpot in the draft this summer. They are clearly rebuilding from the ground up, but coach Derek Fisher doesn't want to hear about any of that. Fisher was asked before the game by Knicks reporter how he gets his team prepared every night knowing they are undermanned and have no playoff hopes.
"Every game from here on out is a video resume," he reminds his team. "If you're a Knick next season or not, you have to stay professional and show other teams what you are all about".
New York came in to Detroit with an eight-game losing streak to take on the Pistons. Carmelo Anthony is out for the remainder of the season, and Knicks coach Derek Fisher inserted Andera Bargnani in to the starting lineup for the first time this season. He basically replaced Carmelo as the first option, as he was the go to player. Barnani is currently the Knicks' best offense player, and he played well tonight, scoring 25 points, which was a season high, and added 12 rebounds. Lou Amundson also contributed with a double-double, posting 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Detroit's frontcourt had a big night with Greg Monroe leading the way with his 28 points and 13 rebounds and his partner Andre Drummond putting in 21 points and 15 rebounds to go with four blocks. New addition Reggie Jackson chipped in with 16 points but was dreadful from the field, finishing the game 5 for 24. The game was close for the most part and required two extra sessions to decide a winner.
New York's next game is tomorrow, February 28th, when they host the Toronto Raptors. Tipoff is at 7:30 pm Eastern Time.
Detroit heads to Washington to take on the struggling Wizards. Tip off of that game is at 7 pm Eastern Time.