Here’s the keys, start the car, because the Knicks have got to get out of Motown before the Detroit police arrest them for stealing game four. With a minute to go before halftime, I didn’t think that would be the lead to our story today. But then the Knicks decided to undo all their good work in the first half. After playing two pretty much perfect quarters, especially on defense, the wheels came off which required some late drama to get the win.

This series has been a physical back and forth battle, and with game passing game, the intensity has ratcheted up. Today’s game four was probably the nastiest contest yet, that even saw Jalen Brunson get hurt again and leave the game (more on that later). It’s frankly a welcome sight to see some real physicality in the playoffs, a stark departure from the regular season. One would think that would suit the Knicks, but this team isn’t much like last years at all. Last year’s group would have relished a series like this, but this year’s group at times looks thrown off by it. They actually rose to it in the first half before shrinking, which also came a result of a series of adjustments that weren’t made. Which brings me to the coach…

I wondered before this postseason began if this Knicks run may become a referendum on Tom Thibodeau’s coaching. I want to get two things out of the way here. Number one I like Thibs a lot and respect him as a coach. Number two I realize this will sound a bit rash, in the wake of him leading another very successful Knicks season. But I believe this team has gone as far as they can with Thibs the helm. This series has, in some way, been more of the same when it comes to the rotation. But it has also seen some qualities that he has been criticized for before really start to rear their head.

Yes I know, the rotation of this conversation was expected. But there is no justification for not mixing in a solid reliable backup you have used all year like Precious Achuiwa and Cam Payne. You literally won game one of this series because you played Cam Payne and he got hot. Sure you can find some minutes for him and Landry Shamet to provide instant offense from the bench. The Knicks are getting destroyed on the glass in these games, yet Precious Achuiwa remains glued to the bench.

Aside from the rotational issues, this series has in my opinion been some of Thibs worst coaching work since he returned to New York. The complete unwillingness to adjust in game and continue to stubbornly approach this series the same way is frustrating to watch. The Pistons have gone after Jalen Brunson aggressively, especially when bringing the ball up the floor, yet Thibs doesn’t change up the attack and have someone else help to beat the press. The offense is stagnant, with no rhythm to it at all, and while that is somewhat related to play style, his inability to adjust the offense is mind boggling. These are issues that have plagued this team all year, yet no change has been made. I expect more from a veteran coach, and so should the Knicks, who can’t just plan to be bailed out by Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns.

When Jalen Brunson left in the third quarter with an injury this game felt like it could go really south. Fortunately the team hung in there without him and then the Captain came back onto the floor. After returning to the game, Brunson went 7-11 from the field for 15 critical points that made all the difference in the world for the Knicks. While it was a heroic effort, it still looked like it would fall short with the Knicks down four…Que KAT!

Towns was enjoying a solid afternoon through three quarters, but he turned it up to another level in the fourth. The two huge shots you see above wound up making the difference as his fall away two pulled the Knicks closer and his prayer three gave them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. These were moments Towns was brought to New York to deliver in, and seeing him come through is a great sight following some of his previous playoff issues. From there the Knicks hung on thanks to a “stop”…AKA a foul by Josh Hart that went uncalled at the buzzer.

For what it’s worth, the NBA’s two minute report did indeed say the play should have been called a foul, giving the pistons three free throws for the lead. But that is not the Knicks problem, and now they have the chance to finish this series at MSG on Tuesday night. I really think it’s critical they get this over with in game five, to gain much needed rest for round two. The Pistons are a solid hard working team, and if you let them hang around in this series you’ll pay for it in game six. The Knicks failed to finish Philly off in game five last year so let’s see if they learned anything. I hope so for their sake and ours!

Before I wrap, I want to celebrate the life of the great Dick Barnett! One of the true Knicks legends, Barnett passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday, not long after game four finished. He spent nine season with the Knicks from 1965-1974 and was a key part of the 70’ and 73’ title teams. He is in the Hall of Fame and his number 12 hangs from the pin wheel ceiling on 34th street! Finish this thing off for Dick Barnett on Tuesday!

On twitter you can find Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon!