Brutal Loss Extends Knicks’ Slide to Four Games as Pistons Roll 121-90
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The New York Knicks dropped their fourth straight contest on Monday, falling 121-90 to the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
Guard Jalen Brunson scored a team-high 25 points but finished without an assist and committed six turnovers. “We just gotta respond… If we want to be the team we say we want to be, we have to be better, simple as that,” Brunson told ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill.
Brown: “They Just Physically Kicked Our Butt”
Head coach Mike Brown said Detroit’s physicality overwhelmed New York. “It’s pretty simple, they just physically kicked our butt,” Brown said. “We had 20 turnovers for 33 points… Versus a team like that, you can’t do it in spurts. It’s got to be 48 minutes.”
Towns Adjusting to New Role
Karl-Anthony Towns finished in single digits for the fourth time this season after hitting double figures in all but one game last year under former coach Tom Thibodeau. Towns, taking fewer shots in Brown’s offense, called himself “the biggest sacrifice” and added, “We’ve got to sit down and figure out who we are and how we want to get back on track,” according to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.
Dolan Still Confident, but Trade Outlook Could Shift
The loss came days after owner James Dolan said the current roster is good enough to win a championship and indicated he does not expect a major move before next month’s trade deadline. Bondy noted that additional performances like Monday’s could prompt a change in that stance.
Defensive Concerns Mount
Ranked 17th in defensive efficiency, the Knicks are reviewing all options. “Everything is on the table,” Brown told The Athletic’s James Edwards III, while cautioning against panic: “When you do go down, you hope it’s not three, four or five games. That’s where we are now, but it’s not time to panic.”
Yabusele Eyes Fifth NBA Season for Benefits
Free-agent signee Guerschon Yabusele continues to see limited minutes but plans to pick up his $5.775 million option for 2026-27. Speaking to a French YouTuber, Yabusele said reaching five NBA seasons would extend lifetime medical coverage to his family under league benefits.
Source: Hoops Rumors
