Knicks 102, Pistons 89
NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks won for just the third time in the last 15 games, knocking off the Detroit Pistons 102-89 Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
Carmelo Anthony was one of three Knicks to score at least 20 points, accumulating 24 points and 10 rebounds for his 21st double-double of the season. Robin Lopez added 21 points and guard Arron Afflalo scored 20 points.
Detroit's Andre Drummond recorded his league-leading 52d double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds. He leads the league in rebounding at 15 per game.
The Knicks were missing rookie Kristaps Porzingis, who was out with a contused left lower leg. New York's second-leading scorer had missed just one other game this season, sitting out January 28th against Toronto with an upper respiratory condition.
New York, which blew an eight-point lead in the final three minutes Friday in Boston, were in control throughout the second half. The Knicks sealed the win when Anthony scored six straight points to push the lead to 102-81 with 2:40 remaining.
Before Anthony's spurt, Afflalo ignited a 11-2 run with a 3-pointer on the way to a 92-79 edge with 5:55 to play
Anthony also played a major part in an 8-0 New York flurry that put the Knicks ahead 75-59 with 3:57 remaining in the third quarter. He nailed a 3-pointer and assisted on two baskets from Lopez, one that led to a traditional three-point play.
A 3-pointer from Jose Calderon and a hook shot from Lopez at the end of the second quarter enabled the Knicks to take a 57-42 lead, their largest of the half, into halftime. New York shot a sizzling 60 percent (24-of-40) in the half.
The Pistons used an 8-2 run to cut the Knicks lead to 48-43 with 4:02 left in the second quarter. Drummond scored four points and grabbed two rebounds in the sequence.
The Knicks opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run to move ahead 31-21.
Lopez and Afflalo combined for 17 points in the Knicks 22-21 lead after the first quarter.
NOTES: New York F Kristaps Porzingis missed the game with a left leg contusion. It was the second game he missed this season. ... The Knicks are looking at potential free agents to fill the vacant roster spot created when G Jimmer Fredette was not signed to another 10-day contract. Fredette appeared in two games, playing just five minutes and scoring seven points. ... Pistons G Jodie Meeks, out since late October with a fracture in his right foot, practiced with the team, but did not dress. ... Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said F Stanley Johnson is still feeling discomfort in his shoulder and won't play this weekend. Johnson has been out since Feb. 22nd.