National Basketball Association

Drummond aims for another 20-rebound effort vs. Knicks

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:20 p.m. ET

foxsports

Andre Drummond picked up right where he left off last season. It's now the New York Knicks' turn to deal with the NBA's most prolific rebounder.

The Detroit Pistons All-Star center reached the 20-rebound mark in the last two games. Not coincidentally, the Pistons have romped to double-digit victories over Orlando and Milwaukee.

They close out a three-game stretch of home games against the revamped Knicks on Tuesday at The Palace.

"Defensively, he helps us out a whole bunch just by grabbing those rebounds and contesting shots," Detroit forward Tobias Harris said of Drummond. "He's working his butt off on the defensive end. Offensively, he's getting on the glass, getting offensive rebounds, and those are turning into points. He's playing really confident right now and we need that from him."

Drummond posted his 10th career 20-20 game in the Pistons' 98-83 victory over the Bucks on Sunday. His 16.3 rebounding average through three games leads the league. He averaged a league-high 14.8 boards last season.

Drummond's also been a big presence on the offensive end, even when he's not plucking offensive rebounds. His ability to finish on pick-and-rolls is leading to extra defensive attention, opening up space for his teammates.

"He's playing really, really unselfish basketball," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "He's really trying to play winning basketball."

Detroit (2-1) tightened up its defense after an opening-night loss in Toronto, limiting its last two opponents to under 40 percent shooting.

"We've done a good job the last two games," Van Gundy said. "You hope to carry that forward. Every night is another challenge, but plus-18 on the boards (Sunday) was a major step forward."

The Knicks (1-1) took a big step forward after their opening-night loss in Cleveland, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 111-104 Saturday night. They shot 52.6 percent from the field and several of the newcomers had noteworthy performances.

New center Joakim Noah, who will have to contend with Drummond in the middle, had team highs in rebounds (10) and assists (seven). Courtney Lee contributed 16 points and backcourt partner Derrick Rose added 13.

Rose, who missed a chunk of training camp attending his civil sexual assault trial in Los Angeles, is growing more comfortable with the offense.

"We looked like we knew what we were doing more often because we were able to have a couple of practices with Derrick," coach Jeff Hornacek said to the New York Post. "We'll continue to get better and better as the season goes on."

Carmelo Anthony, who scored 20 points against the Grizzlies, is trying to adapt to having better offensive players around him.

"You don't see me complaining about it. You didn't see me out there making a face," Anthony said to the Post. "It's something that I embrace. I look forward to just being out there with guys who can control the game and make plays, and when it's my time, it's my time."

Anthony's 21.3 scoring average in 27 career games against the Pistons is his lowest among Eastern Conference opponents.

New York won the season series 2-1 a year ago, with the home team prevailing each time.