After dropping their first three games, the champion Knicks rallied to defeat Detroit 111‑97, with Brown affirming their capacity to succeed when they commit.
Updated 28 Oct 2026, 7:53 a.m.
Jalen Brunson begins shaking off his early slump (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Defending champions New York finally logged their first victory, overturning Detroit 111‑97.
Trailing by 13 after the opening quarter, the Knicks surged, outscoring the Pistons 63‑25 in the next two periods, echoing their championship run.
The win halted a three‑game slide, delivering the Knicks’ inaugural triumph of the season.
Coach Mike Brown praised the effort, saying the team had more good moments than in the first three games, and that earned the win. For my money, Brown’s confidence could be the spark the Knicks need.
New York opened the season with as many defeats in three games as they endured in 19 playoff contests, a stretch where they went 16‑3 and set a postseason point‑differential record.
Losses to Philadelphia, Boston and Orlando now keep them from joining the 1969‑70 Celtics as the only title‑defenders to start 0‑4.
Those Celtics fell after Bill Russell retired; today’s Knicks field their full starting five, featuring Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and All‑Star Karl‑Anthony Towns, yet they struggled early.
Detroit, which swept the Knicks in all three regular‑season meetings last year, raced to a 38‑25 lead before New York throttled them to just 12 points in the second quarter.
Javonte Green challenges Landry Shamet (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Towns said the squad embraced the physicality and energy, looking more like last season’s unit.
He added the team still has plenty to improve and tomorrow offers another test.
Towns posted 27 points and 20 rebounds, but the Knicks found rhythm only when Brunson snapped his slump, hitting his first three shots in the third quarter to spark an 11‑0 run that turned a one‑point halftime edge into a 62‑50 lead.
Brunson explained he was simply trying to help his team, trusting that things would eventually click.
Brown warned the squad will encounter bumps en route to a playoff peak reminiscent of last year.
He stressed nothing is set in stone, but tonight proved the Knicks are more than capable when they focus, a mindset they must continue to build on.