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Anyone waiting for the Knicks to cool off from outside will have to keep waiting. New York went 17-33 (.515) from three in route to their ninth win of the season. Carmelo Anthony set the tone early with a tremendous first quarter that saw the star forward go 6-7 from the field for 15 points against the over-matched Detroit Pistons defense. He finished with 29 points including 12 from behind the arc.
The Pistons cut into the lead in the third quarter as the Knicks seemed to let off the gas a bit. The margin closed to eight late in the period before a three from Steve Novak sparked a run that put any doubt to bed. Novak finished with 18 points (5-7 from three) while J.R. Smith added 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
The Pistons were led by young point guard Brandon Knight's 21 points and five assists.
The low-stress win is a nice prelude for the Knicks who will head across the East River to face Brooklyn on Monday.