This one is about pride.
After his team was defeated by the conference-leading Pistons in their two previous matchups — including a beatdown less than two weeks ago — Knicks coach Mike Brown hopes his players are excited for Thursday’s rematch at MSG.
“Yes, we should [mean something more]Brown said. “Not only did they win the game, they beat us pretty bad. So for us, and I hate to say this game is more important than the next game – every game is extremely important – but there comes a certain point when you’re in a competition.
“If the wins and losses are as lopsided as those two losses, that should wake you up a bit.”
The Knicks (35-20) lost their two games this season against the Pistons (40-13) by a total of 69 points. In their February 6 loss, they shot just 35.8 percent and scored just 80 points, a season low.
It was domination, and Brown believes the competitiveness should start Thursday. Still, the coach reiterated that the regular season result will not provide any indication of playoff success against the Pistons.
“Ultimately, if we win tomorrow or win the next two games — or how many games we play them — that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to beat them come playoff time — or vice versa,” Brown said. “I’m a big believer in that. I’ve been at this too long to see it – some teams go 0-4 in the regular season and still win the series. … That part doesn’t matter. It’s just about how the first two games went for us.” [and having pride in reversing that].”
The Pistons will be without bruising centers Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, who are suspended for their roles in last week’s brawl against the Hornets.
Duren was only suspended for two games, the second of which was on Thursday. Stewart, a repeat offender who left the team bench to confront Charlotte’s Moussa Diabaté, was suspended for seven games.
OG Anunoby, a man of few words, described in brief but uncomfortable detail the toenail removal that kept him out of four games before the All-Star break.
“It’s a lot of pain,” he said. “Once it’s removed, it’s an open wound. Like it’s just flesh and raw, bloody.”
Officially, Anunoby is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pistons, but he is expected to play after completing a full practice on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old said he doesn’t know what led to the toenail problem or when it will grow back.
“I don’t have a toenail,” he said. “I don’t know when, but it gets better every day. It feels better.”
The Knicks went 2-2 without Anunoby, including the ugly loss in Detroit on February 6. Against the Pistons, Anunoby is typically accused of defending Cade Cunningham.
“With his size and his skills, you always miss that when he’s gone,” Brown said. “It’s definitely good to see him on the floor.”
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