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New York Knicks: Takeaways from the loss to the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 22

By Maxwell Ogden

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts thinking he was fouled on a second half shot while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts thinking he was fouled on a second half shot while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – DECEMBER 22: Doug McDermott #20 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on December 22, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – DECEMBER 22: Doug McDermott #20 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on December 22, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Tangible Progress

It was difficult to process in the moment, but the New York Knicks made tangible progress against the Detroit Pistons. It was a tough way to lose, but it was also a significant step in the right direction for a team that’s done more than just lose on the road.

The Knicks are now 2-10 on the road, but this marked the first time this season that Jeff Hornacek’s crew lost what was actually a competitive road game.

This may seem like grasping for straws, but it isn’t. Prior to the Pistons game, eight of the Knicks’ nine road losses had been decided by at least 12 points—and the only exception was a 104-102 loss to the lowly Chicago Bulls that saw New York do too little, too late.

Matched up against a postseason-caliber team in the Pistons, the Knicks fought from beginning to end, and ultimately lost by a single possession.

Beyond the final score, there’s no way around the fact that the Knicks have played lifeless basketball on the road. Fans, players, and coaches have commented on that very issue, pointing out the fact that the Knicks simply lack a noticeable measure of defensive intensity.

Considering New York fought from beginning to end against the Pistons, one can at least argue that progress was made over what had been transpiring.

Must Read: The New York Knicks are approaching a turning point

The New York Knicks need to start winning road games, but there were lessons to be learned during the loss to the Detroit Pistons.

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