The Detroit Pistons didn’t score for over seven minutes to open the third quarter, which ultimately resulted in a 109-95 loss to the New York Knicks.
Seven minutes and eight seconds. That’s how much time it took for the Detroit Pistons (34-40) to score a point in the third quarter. That stretch of hopelessness spanned 13 Piston possessions (where they went 0-10 from the field and committed three turnovers), and it allowed the New York Knicks (28-46) to go on a 15-0 run and seize control for good. The Knicks would go on to win comfortably, 109-95.
That makes it four losses in a row for Detroit, who have dropped seven of their last eight. And this was against the Knicks no less, who came in losers of five straight and eight of their last nine. I think that tells you all you need to know about the current state of the Pistons. So does this:
BTW...tonight marks just the 4th time this season the #Knicks have had a lead of 20+ points.
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) March 28, 2017
Detroit didn’t have any answers for Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick Rose, who were each efficient in route to 25 and 27 points, respectively, for the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony added 21 points of his own, 17 of which came in the second quarter.
The Pistons at least showed up on offense in the first half, scoring 59 points in the first two quarters, but their seven-plus-minute dry spell in the third quarter would be their undoing. The 18 turnovers they committed, including 11 in the first half, didn’t help, either.
Worst yet, perhaps, is that Detroit fans can’t blame this one on Reggie Jackson. The Piston point guard was ruled out for “rest” purposes around 30 minutes before tip. Reggie Bullock (right foot sprain) joined him on the inactive list.
Now, for the grades:
Next: Sputtering Pistons get what they deserve
The Detroit Pistons play at home against Miami tomorrow night, a team they trail by 1.5 games for the eighth playoff spot. Jackson (rest) will not play once again, and Van Gundy said it’s possible we will not see him again this season.