Defense Leads Way for Knicks Third Straight ‘W’

Facing the soft part of their schedule, the New York Knicks are suddenly the surging Knicks after their 94-85 victory over Detroit marked the club's third straight victory.

Alec Burks led the way for the Knicks with a season-high 34 points; 19 of those points came in the fourth quarter as New York blew away Detroit 30-14 in the period.  In addition, the Knicks bench out-scored Detroit 65-7 in bench points.

"We just felt we'll find some people that can get something done. That's what we did," Thibodeau said. "In some ways, that was a blessing. Those guys were out and now they're back in, so their energy was real high."

Detroit was also playing at a severe disadvantage. Thangs to COVID-19, the Pistons were playing with only four regular players and seven replacement players on their roster.

Still Detroit found itself with a 10-point lead, 71-61 late in the third quarter before Burks went off.

Burks closed out the third quarter nailing a bucket while drawing a foul for a three-point play. In the opening minute of the fourth quarter, Burks accounted for a driving layup that cut the Knicks deficit to 71-66, and a three-pointer that tied it at 71 with 10:29 to go in regulation.

Obi Toppin's dunk, combined with free throws and a massive three-pointer by Burks helped push the Knicks to a seven-point lead, 78-71 with 8:38 to go. The Knicks would never trail again.  Burks would nail two more three's in a stretch of 45 seconds to power New York to a 91-80 lead with 1;52 to go.