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New York Knicks Recap: Double OT Victory Against Detroit Pistons Snaps 8-Game Losing Streak

By Kenneth Teape

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115. 64. 121. 27. Final

New York Knicks Recap: 8-Game Losing Streak Snapped Against Detroit Pistons With Total Team Effort

It looked to be yet another disappointing night for the New York Knicks, as the Detroit Pistons opened up a lead by as many as 18 points in the first half. The Knicks didn’t get down on themselves like they have had a penchant to do recently, as they continued to fight and got back into the game with outstanding effort on the defensive end. The Knicks were able to force the game into overtime, where they continued giving the same effort that got them there.

The Knicks eventually would win the game in double overtime, ending their eight-game losing streak in the process. This was also the first victory of the season for the Knicks without Carmelo Anthony, who is out the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his knee.

Player of the Game: Andrea Bargnani

Bargnani’s struggles have been well documented this season, as he has struggled mightily with injuries, rarely getting on the court. Tonight was one of the rare times he was healthy, and the Knicks were happy to have him as he put together by far his strongest game of the season, and potentially in his Knicks’ tenure.

Feb 27, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Making his first start of the season, Bargnani would finish the game with a full stat line, scoring 25 points with 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Bargnani looked as good as he has during his Knicks tenure tonight, and provided the go-to scoring when needed the Knicks have lacked all season whenever Anthony was out of the lineup.

This could be a stepping stone for Bargnani as he continues to try and round into shape. This game, like the remaining ones this season, are important for the Italian big man, as he is playing to try and secure a contract next season, as he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.

-Inside Duo

Bargnani had some help on the inside tonight, as Louis Amundson provided his strongest game as a Knick and possibly in his career. Tonight Amundson provided his fourth career double-double, scoring a season-high tying 17 points to go with 12 rebounds. He was a presence on the defensive end, blocking three shots as well, adding two assists as well. Amundson has been a revelation for the Knicks this season, and battled inside consistently with Bargnani against a huge, talented front line the Pistons deploy in Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.
-Free Throw Line Disparity

Free throws are often an overlooked part of a basketball game. They are worth the least amount of points, but are arguably the most important part of a team’s success. Tonight the Pistons learned that the hard way, as they were unable to put the Knicks away in part because of poor free throw shooting.

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Monroe had a strong statistical game, scoring 28 points with 13 rebounds, but couldn’t connect from the charity stripe when it mattered most. Monroe missed a potential free throw to give the Pistons a one point lead in the first overtime, and then missed there more in the second overtime. As a team they shot 4-9 in the second overtime, and 29-40 for the whole game.

On the other hand, the Knicks made the free throws they needed to ice the game. They made 8-8 in the second overtime, doing what is needed to get a victory. They were exceptional throughout the game, making 25-26 from the foul line overall.

-Larkin Comes Up Big

The Knicks had a number of players that could have been the player of the game tonight, and Shane Larkin is definitely on that list. Larkin had missed the last three games because of strep throat, and was expected to be on a minutes restriction. But with foul trouble and double overtime, he was forced into extended minutes and he came up huge for the Knicks.

Larkin scored a Knicks career-high 16 points, scoring nine of them in the second overtime after Galloway fouled out and Larkin needed to be inserted. Larkin changed the course of the game tonight with his defensive effort, and he continues to grow as a player. This is an important stretch of games coming up for Larkin, as his role will increase with Jose Calderon sidelined. This is a great opportunity for him to showcase that he can be a rotation player in the NBA and deserves a new contract.

Next: Who were the best athletes in New York Last Year?

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