Knicks Takeaways from Friday's 120-103 loss to Pistons

Dennis Smith Jr. finished with career-high 31 points

2/9/2019, 2:53 AM
Feb 8, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. (5) attempts a dunk against Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports / Raj Mehta
Feb 8, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. (5) attempts a dunk against Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports / Raj Mehta

It was the same result between the Pistons and Knicks in this second leg of a home-and-home, as Detroit took down New York, 120-103, on Friday night. >> Box score

Things to know about Friday's game

1) Following up a 25-point game, Dennis Smith Jr. dropped a career-high 31 points on 9-for-15 from the field with eight assists and two rebounds as well. Smith also went 11-for-19 from the charity stripe, which he didn't seem happy about having given away eight free points. Either way, he has solidified himself as the Knicks' main source of offense since the Kristaps Porzingis trade. 

2) Three different Pistons scored 20 points in their win, including Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin who had 29 and 26 points respectively. Drummond also hauled in an impressive 20 rebounds with three blocks, one steal and two assists in a stellar night. 

3) After a 41-22 first quarter, the Knicks settled down with a 32-22 second quarter to head into the first half only down nine points. They continued to battle back, with Allonzo Trier tying the game at 82 with a jumper at 2:20. But the Pistons lead by five at the end of the third, and pulled away in the fourth to finish out the game. 

4) DeAndre Jordan was a perfect 5-for-5 that included a few alley-oops for 14 points as well as 11 rebounds. There was also a distinct moment when Smith came to the bench and looked down, but Jordan gave him a little pep talk. This shows the veteran leadership that he provides to this team. 

5) The Knicks have lost 15 straight games, as the long losing streak dreadfully continues for New York.

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks face an even tougher opponent in the Raptors in Toronto on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

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