New York Knicks blow out the Detroit Pistons 128-98: Brunson’s breakout

The Knicks ran away with victory over the Detroit Pistons 128 to 98 in a game that was never close. 

New York’s chemistry is building fast. Each starter scored and assisted on a basket within the game's first five minutes. Their defense looked stifling as they held Detroit to 13 points in the first quarter and led by 26 by its conclusion.

Detroit never made so much as a run after that. The Knicks continued to play strong team basketball, led by Jalen Brunson’s scoring and excellent ball movement from all five starters. 

This version of the Knicks is scary. The entire second half felt like garbage time. Let’s get into the performances.

Notable Performances

An unstoppable trio

Jalen Brunson: 36 PTS (14/22 FG, 6/8 3PT, 2/4 FT), 5 AST, 1 REB, 2 STL, 2 TO in 31 mins

This was Jalen Brunson at his best. Brunson looked unstoppable, whether he stepped into jumpers, took his man off the dribble, or used clever cuts to get easy looks.

Every Knick starter is a capable enough passer to capitalize on Brunson’s cutting and off-ball movement, which makes him more dangerous than ever.

Brunson’s success didn’t come at the expense of others. His scoring made the game easier for everyone else, and there were still plenty of touches to go around.

Karl-Anthony Towns: 21 PTS (8/18 FG, 3/6 3PT, 2/3 FT), 7 AST, 11 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 27 mins

I slept on Karl-Anthony Towns’ passing ability. As much as his elite shooting forces defenses to spread themselves thin, his ability to read the game and make quick passes is what breaks them.

Towns mixed his offense effectively. His passing forced defenders to drop, so he began stepping into jumpers. All the while, he pressured the rim with scattered post-ups.

Bodega KAT’s defense also looked more effective, though it’s always easier to defend bigs that aren’t shooting threats.

OG Anunoby: 21 PTS (8/15 FG, 3/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL in 33 mins

It’s early, but this was OG Anunoby’s best offensive game so far. His three-pointer has found its form, and he turned defense into offense with frequent forced turnovers and fast breaks.

Anunoby’s defense is exceptional. The Knicks have some fantastic defenders, but he always stands out the most. Even his transition defense is elite.

Everyone eats in the starting lineup

Josh Hart: 13 PTS (6/9 FG, 1/3 3PT), 4 AST, 9 REB, 2 STL, 3 TO in 37 mins

Josh Hart has been fantastic to start the season. That didn’t change this time, though other performances overshadowed his.

I don’t have much new to note about him. One noteworthy aspect of Hart’s game is that he sets some great screens. Watch how often a Josh Hart screen frees Brunson or Bridges up to attack.

Mikal Bridges: 15 PTS (6/13 FG, 3/6 3PT), 3 AST, 7 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK in 35 mins

Like Hart, Mikal Bridges has started the season strong. This performance feels like his baseline; it’s efficient, effective, and well-rounded.

Bridges has the same disruptive tendencies on defense as Anunoby; they combined to ruin Detroit’s rhythm throughout this game.

Some props to a different bench player

Cameron Payne: 4 PTS (2/6 FG, 0/2 3PT), 3 AST, 1 REB in 12 mins

I gave Cam Payne flack for poor shot selection the last time I mentioned him. But he’s quietly bounced back with solid passing performances and less forced shots in back-to-back games.

Payne never stops playing hard, which is an endearing quality. He tried to take a charge with the Knicks up 35 in the fourth quarter. That’s an unnecessary risk, but I can’t help but appreciate the effort.

Other Notes

• Deuce McBride shot poorly, but he otherwise continued his strong start to the season. He put together a strong all-around game, with his defense leading to four steals.

• Jericho Sims put together his best performance so far, defending the rim and rebounding well. It’s still nothing to write home about, but he held up.

• The rookies got five minutes each, with Kolek and Dadiet knocking down some nice shots. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but they looked comfortable.

Closing Thoughts

It's never wise to get too excited about a victory over a weak opponent, but we should enjoy watching this chemistry develop. 

When everything syncs up, the Knicks play basketball like the teams I’ve always envied. Their ball movement reminds me of great Spurs teams, Golden State’s dynasty, or more recently, the peak Nuggets. 

I don’t think that’s a fluke or a mirage. These pieces fit perfectly, and nobody’s ego gets in the way. This team is built to play fluid offense and aggressive defense. Their chemistry is ahead of schedule because everything fits so well.

The Rockets are next, and they’re no pushovers. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!