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Pistons snap two-game skid with blowout over Knicks

Nov 27, 2008 - 5:17 AM By Chuck Klonke PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- Home court is certainly an advantage when the Detroit Pistons host the New York Knicks - and balanced scoring doesn't hurt, either.

Detroit never trailed as it cruised to a 110-96 victory over the Knicks on Wednesday for the Pistons' 11th victory in their last 12 home games against New York. Apparently, a two-game skid didn't sit well with the Pistons - and the Knicks had to bear the punishment once again.

They got scoring from everywhere, as eight players scored in double figures, led by Richard Hamilton with 17. It was quite a recovery for a group that managed just 80 points in each of the last two games - losses to the Boston Celtics and the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves - as they rebounded with their biggest scoring output since acquiring Allen Iverson.

It was the first time since 1990 that Detroit has put eight players in double figures.

Two grueling practice days likely helped the Pistons regain their winning ways.

"The last two days were like training camp," guard Rodney Stuckey said. "We're a whole new team. It was good to practice with Allen and have him get familiar with the offense and defense."

It was especially important for the Pistons to spend time on their defense.

"I hope that's why we played well," coach Michael Curry said. "We kept their 3-point shooting around 33 percent and we still did a good job of protecting the paint."

The two-headed point guard duo manufactured the bulk of the damage, as Iverson finished with 16 points and five assists and Stuckey added 13 and a career-high 11 assists off the bench.

"I thought Stuckey was the catalyst on that second unit," Curry said. "His decision-making was great. He was calling most of the plays, which is what I want our guards to do."

Stuckey has struggled with his shot since injuring his wrist when he was thrown to the floor by Shaquille O'Neal in Phoenix on November 16.

"My wrist is still bothering me," Stuckey said. "The strength is just now coming back to the point where I can just go out and play and not worry about injuring it again. It was affecting everything I do."

The Knicks -- still retooling their rotations after last week's trades that brought in Al Harrington, Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley -- briefly pushed back into contention in the third quarter thanks in large part to their newcomers. Thomas and Harrington hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the deficit to single digits at 75-66.

But Jason Maxiell's jump shot sparked a 9-0 run that gave Pistons control for good.

"It's going to be a while before we get a chemistry out there," New York coach Mike D'Antoni said. "It's been a month for Harrington. Thomas is out of shape and struggling with his wind. They aren't playing up to what they are, but that's to be expected. There were some good things. ... I really believe that once we solve these problems and get guys back we are going to be fine."

Four reserves reached double-figures in scoring for Detroit - including Amir Johnson, who collected 12 points and 12 boards. Maxiell and Arron Afflalo each shot 5-of-5 from the field.

Harrington, playing his second game with New York after last week's trade with Golden State, paced the Knicks with 25 points despite 8-of-24 shooting.

Detroit held a 44-25 lead midway through the second quarter, as two straight baskets by Stuckey capped a 27-9 run by the Pistons. Amir Johnson came off the bench to score six points during the spurt.

Detroit's defense was a factor in the team's strong first half. The Knicks were held to just 38 percent shooting in the half. Detroit made 53 percent of its shots in the half and took a 59-43 lead into the break.

"When you get stops, that's exactly what you want to do," Iverson said. "It's easier when you get a chance to get out and run, create different numbers and get easy baskets."

New York forward Wilson Chandler was ejected by referee Marc Davis for throwing the ball in protest of a foul call with 1:05 left in the third quarter. The Knicks were already shorthanded. Nate Robinson didn't dress for the game because of a strained groin he sustained in Tuesday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.