Pistons Coach: Knicks Kept 'Heart and Soul' Of Team

The New York Knicks were given credit by Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

Jeremy Brener | Nov 2, 2024

Nov 1, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drive past Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) in the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks made a statement after beating the Detroit Pistons 128-98 at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.

In the victory, Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 36 points while all five starters finished scoring in double figures.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff gave some kind words to the Knicks after their strong performance.

“Adding guys like Towns, Bridges, it gives them a different dynamic of guys who can individually impact the game at a high level. Both of those guys are capable of having big nights," Bickerstaff said via Newsday reporter Steve Popper. "But I think what they’ve done is they’ve kept the heart and soul of the team, and their spirit is the same. I think losing DiVincenzo was a little bit of a change. I thought he did a great job for them as well. But having the Josh Harts of the world, the Jalen Brunsons of the world, they keep that fight and spirit that gives them an opportunity and is kind of what they’re known for and they’re able to keep the defensive identity with Anunoby and Bridges as two-way players. They’re always going to be well-coached. [Tom Thibodeau] does a great job with his teams. But that mindset of who they are, I don’t think that changed with the personnel changes.”

The Knicks will experience some growing pains throughout the season, but they have the foundation still in place. With that foundation, the Knicks have a winning culture and the newcomers will eventually find their place within the team in figuring out how to coexist.

Through five games, the Knicks are already starting to show signs of being able to work together. As time goes on, the chemistry and comfort is only going to grow, making the Knicks one of the scarier teams in the NBA.

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Published Nov 2, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.