The Knicks found a winning formula in Texas, and brought it home to New York — barely. After leading by 17 points late in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks nearly blew it Tuesday night. The Detroit Pistons almost stole a game that would have meant another night of misery for Knicks fans.
However, the Knicks hung on for an 89-85 victory, led by Carmelo Anthony (34 points), who had an impressive shooting performance, making 13 of 24 from the field, including 6 of 7 from 3-point range. With their best player feeling it, the Knicks built on a 2-1 Texas trip by winning their third game in their last four starts. This has been a difficult season for the Knicks (12-22), but they are showing signs that the worst might be over.
“We’re starting to have a little bit more fun out there, trust each other a lot more than we have,” Anthony said. “When it comes down to situations in games, guys feel like we’re all on the same page, and all a part of what’s going on.”
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The Knicks also got a lift from point guard Raymond Felton (12 points, 6 assists), playing his first game since Dec. 20 because of a hamstring injury. Felton did more than just make a cameo. He started, played 30 minutes and was on the floor for the final seven and a half minutes.
Asked what Felton brought to the floor, Anthony said: “The way he can play the pick and roll, the way he can get to the paint, create for others. He trusts us to make the shots. He gets in the paint and makes things happen.”
But the Pistons (14-21) came close to ruining things for the Knicks, pulling to within 86-85, with possession of the ball and 27.1 seconds to play.
The Pistons cleared out for forward Josh Smith, who was defended by Anthony. Anthony bottled up Smith, who forced up a dreadfully short air ball. The Knicks rebounded and Felton was fouled with 6.9 seconds left.
Felton made the first free throw, and when he missed the second, Kenyon Martin tapped the rebound to Anthony, who was fouled with 2.9 seconds left. Anthony made both free throws to give the Knicks their final 4-point margin.
How long the good times last for the Knicks remains to be seen, especially with the N.B.A. champion Miami Heat coming to the Garden on Thursday night. But with the Knicks on a mini roll, they look better prepared to face the Heat than they did several weeks ago.
“That’s who we play next?” Anthony said, smiling. “I did not know. We gotta face them some way, one day or another. When we play, Thursday? We gotta face them. It is what it is. We can’t run from them.”
Often the first game after a trip results in a letdown, but the Knicks were focused and energized. They dominated the third quarter, taking control by outscoring the Pistons, 32-17. That included a game-changing 15-0 run, which began with the Knicks trailing, 49-47.
Coach Mike Woodson called a timeout at that point, and whatever he said, the Knicks should record it. The Pistons did not score for the next three and a half minutes, and the Knicks took control for good.
There was plenty of highlight-reel material for the Knicks during that quarter. Amar’e Stoudemire went baseline for a ferocious reverse dunk, spinning around center Andre Drummond and leaving him flat-footed.
There was a hustle play by Felton, who lost control of his dribble, but dove on the floor to regain control of the basketball. Felton then passed from a prone position to Anthony, who drained a 3-pointer.
Anthony was on fire, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers during that 15-0 run. This was a game when Anthony did not feel compelled to force shots, with the Knicks getting good looks, creating offense with their defense and sharing the basketball.
Late in the third quarter, the Knicks’ lead had ballooned to 69-52, and there was reason to think they might waltz to a victory.
However, these are the Knicks, and this is the N.B.A. The Pistons mounted a comeback. Several weeks ago, the Knicks may have lost this game. But since the calendar has turned to 2014, the Knicks seemed more committed to becoming a better team.
REBOUNDS
Center Tyson Chandler (upper respiratory infection) did not play, but the Knicks hoped he would be ready for the Heat. ... Metta World Peace had platelet-rich plasma therapy on his injured left knee Monday and was pleased with the results, although no timetable was given for his return. “I heal faster than some young guys, which is kind of crazy,” he said. “I’m not on H.G.H. Test me. Just like Floyd Mayweather said. I’ll take the test. I guess ’cause I’m sexy. Most sexy people heal fast.”... Josh Smith (21 points, 12 rebounds) led the Pistons, who also got 17 rebounds from Andre Drummond.
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