Professional Game Coverage: Detroit 113, New York 86

Detroit News

“Pistons cruise against Knicks,” by Chris McCosky

"“That was fun,” said Richard Hamilton, who led the way with 22 points and seven assists. “I think we’re getting healthy, everybody’s out there playing and feeding off each other. The ball moved and guys made plays for each other.”It also marked the second time in six trips to New York that Hamilton didn’t get ejected.“Today I did everything opposite,” he said. “If I normally take a shower in one stall, I switched to the other one because I got thrown out four of the last five times I’ve been here. I was just real happy to walk off the court on my own and not with security.”"

Detroit Free Press

“Rested Pistons dominate Knicks in most complete performance of the season,” by Vince Ellis

"NEW YORK – Pistons coach Michael Curry liked what he saw at practice Tuesday morning so much that he decided to cancel Wednesday morning’s shootaround before the game against the Knicks.The team justified Curry’s faith with its best 48 minutes of the year with a 113-86 stomping of the Knicks to win its second straight game.The victory put Pistons’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot at one game."

“Stuckey plucky, patient vs. Knicks,” by Vince Ellis

"Pistons killer David Lee was held in check with only nine points and four rebounds.Before Wednesday, Lee averaged 15 points and 17.3 rebounds through the first three games against Detroit this season."

“Instant replay,” by Vince Ellis

"“Today we were drained. We didn’t have any energy.” — Chandler, blaming the Knicks’ performance Wednesday on a tough loss at Chicago on Tuesday."

Booth Newspapers

“Well-rested Pistons easily whip New York Knicks,” by A. Sherrod Blakely

"Even before the blowout got started, the Pistons seemed to have a bit more bounce than usual.The usual pre-game dance that Rasheed Wallace does, while surrounded by the Pistons’ backups, was even more over the top than usual when he did a back spin on the Madison Square Garden floor.Before the opening tip-off, players usually work on jumpers and lay-ups. On Wednesday, players like Jason Maxiell were attempting acrobatic, highlight reel quality dunks."

“Pistons’ Rodney Stuckey a floor leader vs. Knicks,” by A. Sherrod Blakely

"But for three quarters, Stuckey was able to balance his ability to score with getting others involved offensively, all the while playing solid defense against ultra-quick New York guard Nate Robinson.“He was great,” Pistons guard Richard Hamilton said. “He controlled the tempo. He made plays. When guys were open, he got them the ball. We’re going to need that from him.”Stuckey even made a 3-pointer, a shot he’s looking more and more comfortable taking."

The New York Times

“No Iverson, Pistons Try to Move on, to Playoffs,” by Howard Beck

"“We knew it would be a season of transition, but we also expected to play better this year than we did,” said Joe Dumars, the team president. “We knew we had to take a step back. But we weren’t looking at seventh or eighth seed back.”When Dumars made the trade last fall, he hoped that Iverson might help the Pistons challenge Boston and Cleveland. But the greatest value in the trade was never what Iverson would bring, but what he would take away — specifically his $21.9 million contract, which expires after the season."

New York Post

“START SPREADIN’ THE SNOOZE,” by Marc Berman

"The Knicks have only one more chance to disgrace the Garden, like they did in last night’s despicable 113-86 loss to the Pistons before a disgusted crowd.The Knicks have quit. They fell behind 10-0 after two minutes, 30-9 late in the first quarter and 63-39 by halftime. Clearly, the players can’t wait for Wednesday’s finale at the Garden against the Nets."

Newsday

“Knicks ‘D’ nonexistent in loss to Pistons,” by Roderick Boone

"“We need to get a lot better defensively,” said D’Antoni, whose team came into last night allowing 108 points per game with only Golden State and Sacramento yielding more. “You can’t be 28th or 27th in the league defensively and think you are a playoff team. You need to be in the top 15 at least if not in the top 10. So yeah, we are not there and it’s not there on a consistent basis. But that’s one of the things that we’ll try to address in the offseason.”That means looking for help to bolster an undersized frontcourt that has 6-9 power forward David Lee starting out of position at center. The Knicks’ lack of size on their front line has been a major flaw that’s been exposed."