New York Knicks split back-to-back against the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons: Not quite back on track

The New York Knicks split a back-to-back, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 140-106 before losing to the Detroit Pistons 124-119.

The Knicks’ offense looked unstoppable against Milwaukee. Even Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn’t keep up. New York led by 13 at halftime and sprinted to a 30-point lead early in the third quarter. They slowed down after Jalen Brunson left the game with an apparent shoulder injury, but momentum returned as soon as Brunson did.

Detroit came to town next and caught New York flat to start things off. The Knicks kicked into gear in the second quarter but looked flat after halftime. New York’s three-point defense flopped again, preventing them from closing the gap late.

New York’s defense is becoming worrisome. But there’s plenty to appreciate from the performances, so let’s get into it.

Notable Performances

Worrisome injuries, but otherwise, superstar performances

Jalen Brunson: 

Vs. Milwaukee: 44 PTS (16/26 FG, 5/10 3PT, 7/8 FT), 6 AST, 5 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 29 mins

Vs. Detroit: 31 PTS (12/24 FG, 1/7 3PT, 6/8 FT), 11 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 4 TO in 39 mins

The Captain set the tone early, scoring 23 points in the first quarter to jump-start the offense. Jalen Brunson put Milwaukee’s defenders in foul trouble and on skates all game. Brunson’s gem continued until he left the game with a shoulder injury. But he came back and completed a 44-point performance to close out.

Brunson continued his impressive scoring against the Pistons but shot poorly from deep. He made up for the misses by picking apart Detroit’s defense with passing and found the open shooter repeatedly against a zone defense that momentarily stalled the offense.

Karl-Anthony Towns: 

Vs. Milwaukee: 30 PTS (10/16 FG, 2/5 3PT, 8/9 FT), 4 AST, 18 REB, 1 STL, 2 TO in 36 mins

Vs. Detroit: 26 PTS (7/17 FG, 4/9 3PT, 8/10 FT), 3 AST, 12 REB, 1 STL, 6 TO in 43 mins

I love that Karl-Anthony Towns never settled for tough jumpers against the Bucks. Towns crushed Milwaukee by attacking off the dribble at every opportunity. Giannis couldn’t contain KAT’s scoring or rebounding, which led to a monster stat line of 30 and 18. 

Detroit’s zone forced KAT to shoot more, and he punished them with threes. Towns’ efficiency took a hit after he injured his thumb swiping down as Isaiah Stewart rose for an attempt. Towns clutched his thumb throughout the game but toughed it out.

Suffice it to say, I’m worried that Towns’ thumb will cost him some time. His uncharacteristically high turnovers may have had to do with grip issues.

Stepping up by shooting and scoring

Mikal Bridges: 

Vs Milwaukee: 6 PTS (2/5 FG, 1/4 3PT, 1/2 FT), 6 AST, 2 REB, 2 BLK, 1 TO in 37 mins

Vs Detroit: 27 PTS (9/13 FG, 6/8 3PT, 3/3 FT), 1 AST, 1 REB, 1 BLK in 37 mins

Against Milwaukee, Mikal Bridges’ scoring woes continued for a second-straight game. But despite only attempting three shots in the first three quarters, Bridges made a positive impact through playmaking. 

He snapped out of the doldrums battling Detroit. The Pistons deployed a zone that meant Bridges got open looks throughout the second half, and he cashed in nearly everything. It felt like Thibodeau was trolling to take Mikal out for a breather in the fourth quarter.

If the Knicks beat Detroit, Bridges would be the hero. His defense on Cunningham was better than Cade’s numbers might suggest.

Cameron Payne: 

Vs. Milwaukee: 18 PTS (6/10 FG, 4/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 AST, 2 REB in 14 mins

Vs. Detroit: 10 PTS (3/7 FG, 2/6 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 AST, 1 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 17 mins

The Knicks have looked for offense off the bench, and Cam Payne provided it against Milwaukee. He scored 13 first-half points behind a three-point barrage and continued to provide offense despite cooling off in the second half.

The scoring kept up for Payne against Detroit, where he poured in 10 points before halftime. Payne cooled off again in the second half but provided much-needed pace for the offense. He sped things up, which earned teammates transition looks.

Shaky moments, but solid performances

OG Anunoby: 

Vs. Milwaukee: 11 PTS (5/12 FG, 1/5 3PT, 0/1 FT), 2 AST, 1 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 31 mins

Vs. Detroit: 10 PTS (5/9 FG, 0/2 3PT), 1 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 39 mins

The Bucks tried an interesting scheme, with Brook Lopez guarding OG Anunoby for many possessions. The strategy failed, as Anunoby drove to the basket and scored enough to pick up some momentum. 

OG’s three-point shooting was inconsistent as ever, and that continued against Detroit. But he showed life with a dunk on Isaiah Stewart and trash talk to boot. Anunoby’s defense let me down for stretches of the action, but he got deflections and made plays down the stretch.

Josh Hart: 

Vs. Milwaukee: 11 PTS (5/5 FG, 1/1 3PT), 4 AST, 11 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 35 mins

Vs. Detroit: 12 PTS (3/5 FG, 1/2 3PT, 5/6 FT), 5 AST, 14 REB, 1 TO in 38 mins

Josh Hart came up with big plays and rebounds throughout the game against Milwaukee. He took an opportunistic approach, barely shooting but making the most of any opening. Hart’s only problems came when attempting home run passes that New York didn’t need.

Hart’s efficient offensive approach continued against Detroit, and he grabbed boards at a ridiculous clip. But we’ll probably remember Hart’s poor defensive decision-making down the stretch. He left Malik Beasley wide open twice in a row for two game-closing three-pointers.

More Notes

• Deuce McBride hasn’t found his rhythm, but he’s doing more and more “Deuce McBride” things with each game.

• Precious Achiuwa had a pair of disappointing performances. He struggled to contain Giannis and didn’t do much better against Detroit. But Achiuwa gets props for showing some moves off the dribble.

• Landry Shamet’s minutes are cratering now that Deuce is back. He played a combined 10 minutes with no points to show for it.

Closing Thoughts

The concerns continue, with New York losing five of its past seven games. During their struggles, bench shooters have crushed them with three-pointers. Their defense isn’t up to snuff.

But the glass is half full, considering their record is two games ahead of last season. New York still has half a season to fix their flaws. Adjustments will happen, and maybe a trade or waiver pick-up can help.

The 76ers are next in a similar boat, 2-5 in their past seven. We’ll see if the Knicks can turn it around and discuss it next time Knicks’ fam.