Knicks Seeking Statement Win Against Rival Pistons

Knicks look to avenge earlier blowout losses and gain ground in the Eastern Conference standings.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The New York Knicks have an opportunity coming out of the NBA All-Star break to make a statement against the Detroit Pistons, who have already blown out the Knicks twice this season. The Knicks were physically outmatched in the previous meetings, and will be seeking revenge as well as a chance to gain ground in the Eastern Conference standings, where they currently sit in third place behind the first-place Pistons and second-place Boston Celtics.

Why it matters

The Knicks entered the season with high expectations, but have had an up-and-down first half. A statement win over the Pistons could help them regain momentum and confidence heading into the second half of the season, as they look to solidify their position among the East's elite teams and potentially make a deep playoff run.

The details

In the two previous matchups this season, the Pistons physically dominated the Knicks, winning by 31 and 38 points respectively. Knicks coach Mike Brown acknowledged that the Pistons "kicked our ass" in those games, with Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson emerging as a tough defender on Knicks star Jalen Brunson. The Knicks will be looking to flip the script and prove they can hang with the conference-leading Pistons when the teams meet again at Madison Square Garden.

  • The Knicks and Pistons will face off on Thursday, February 23, 2026, in the final regular season matchup between the two teams.
  • The Knicks previously lost to the Pistons by 31 points on December 15, 2025 and by 38 points on January 12, 2026.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' star point guard, who has struggled against the physical defense of Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson in the previous matchups this season.

Ausar Thompson

The Pistons' rookie forward who has emerged as a tough defender, particularly against Brunson in the team's previous meetings.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach, who acknowledged that the team was physically outmatched by the Pistons in the previous matchups.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward, who is working to return from a torn Achilles tendon and could provide a boost to the Knicks' main rival in the Eastern Conference.

James Harden

The veteran guard who was recently acquired by the Cavaliers, giving them a formidable duo with Donovan Mitchell that could challenge the Knicks in the East.

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What they’re saying

“It's pretty simple. They just physically kicked our ass. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach (New York Post)

“They kicked our behind, starting with me.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach (New York Post)

“I don't look at regular-season games as a barometer because, come playoffs, it's a different basketball game. Especially when you talk about a seven-game series. I've been with different teams that went to the Finals or played deep in the playoffs that lost the season series to teams and still won in the playoffs.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Point Guard (New York Post)

“He's a very dangerous player in our league. Seeing him go down last year, it sucks to see. You never want to see that from anyone in any sport. The fact that he's worked so hard to get to where he is and preparing to come back is a testament to who he is. Basketball fans around the world definitely are excited to see his comeback.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Point Guard (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game against the Pistons represents a crucial opportunity for the Knicks to prove they can hang with the East's elite teams and set the tone for the second half of the season. A statement win could help them regain momentum and confidence, while a loss would raise further questions about their ability to compete with the conference's top contenders.