The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 114-104, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening.

The Knicks (19-18) finally moved over the .500 threshold and end the first half of the season on a strong note following their victory here, as they dominated the game and defeated the Pistons (10-26) with ease after a strong start to the game. New York quickly jumped out to a 33-27 score in the first quarter and extended that advantage even further with a 26-19 score in the second quarter. The Knicks didn't take the foot off the pedal in the second half, however, and they also won the third quarter by a 34-28 score. The Pistons woke up in the fourth quarter and won by a 30-21 score, but it was too late to mount any sort of comeback -- the Knicks raced out to the win and finished the first half of the season on a strong note, while the Pistons have now dropped four of their last five games.

Julius Randle led the Knicks with a 27-point, 16-rebound double-double but also notched seven assists and a block. Elfrid Payton had 20 points and six rebounds but also added four assists and four steals, while R.J. Barrett chipped in with 21 points, five dimes and four boards. Reggie Bullock and Nerlens Noel each had 12 points, but the big man also added 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks to make his presence felt on defense.

Eight of nine Detroit players that featured here ended with double-digit scoring numbers, and Wayne Ellington led the team with 17 points against his former team. Saddiq Bey had 14 points, while Mason Plumlee and Dennis Smith both contributed 12 -- Plumlee also added 13 boards and four assists. Rodney McGruder was the spark off the bench with 13 points.