Knicks Seek Pride Against Rival Pistons

Coach Mike Brown challenges his team to show competitiveness after lopsided losses to Detroit.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The New York Knicks are looking to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons after suffering two blowout losses earlier this season. Head coach Mike Brown is challenging his players to show more pride and competitiveness in the rematch, even though he believes the regular-season results won't necessarily predict how the teams will fare in the playoffs. The Knicks will be looking to avenge their 69-point combined margin of defeat in the previous two matchups against the conference-leading Pistons.

Why it matters

This game is an important test of the Knicks' resilience and ability to rise to the occasion against a top rival. The lopsided nature of the previous losses has shaken the team, and coach Brown is hoping to see a stronger competitive spirit that can translate to future playoff success.

The details

In their two previous losses to the Pistons this season, the Knicks shot just 35.8% and scored a season-low 80 points in the most recent defeat. Coach Brown believes the Knicks should be "fired up" for the rematch, even though he cautions that regular-season results don't always predict playoff outcomes. The Pistons will be missing key big men Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, who are suspended for their roles in a brawl. Meanwhile, Knicks forward OG Anunoby is expected to return after missing time with a painful toenail issue.

  • The Knicks and Pistons will face off on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The Knicks lost to the Pistons by a combined 69 points in their two previous matchups this season.

The players

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who is challenging his team to show more pride and competitiveness against their rival Pistons.

Cade Cunningham

The star player for the Detroit Pistons, who Knicks forward OG Anunoby typically guards.

OG Anunoby

A key Knicks player who is expected to return after missing time with a painful toenail issue, and is typically tasked with defending Cade Cunningham.

Isaiah Stewart

A Pistons center who is suspended for seven games due to his role in a brawl against the Hornets.

Jalen Duren

A Pistons center who is suspended for two games, including the upcoming matchup against the Knicks, for his role in the brawl against the Hornets.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, it should [mean something more]. They didn't just win the game, they beat us pretty bad. So for us, and I don't like to say that this game is more important than the next game — every game is extremely important — but there comes a certain point when you're in competition.”

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

“At the end of the day, if we win tomorrow or win the next two games — or how many games we play them — that doesn't necessarily guarantee that we're going to beat them come playoff time — or vice versa. I'm a firm believer in that. I've been around this thing too long to see — some teams go 0-4 in the regular season and still win the series. … That part doesn't matter. It's just about how the first two games turned out for us [and having pride in reversing that].”

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

“It's a lot of pain. Once it's removed it's an open wound. Like it's just flesh and raw, bloody.”

— OG Anunoby (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 is a chance for the Knicks to show their pride and competitiveness against a top rival, even though the regular-season results may not predict their playoff matchup. The team's resilience and ability to rise to the occasion will be tested, with the potential for a statement win that could boost their confidence heading into the postseason.