Knicks and Pistons showdown rekindles the Olympic spirit

 
p57 epa03525648 New York Knicks point guard Pablo Prigioni (R) goes up for a shot against Orlando Magic point guard Ish Smith (L) during the first half of an NBA game at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, USA, 05 January 2013. EPA/BRIAN BLANCO CORBIS OUT
Giuseppe Muro17 January 2013

The NBA returns to London tonight when New York Knicks face Detroit Pistons at the O2 Arena.

Following the success of basketball at the Olympics in the summer, the third regular-season fixture held in the capital sold-out the 17,000 capacity stadium in record time.

The Knicks, who have won 24 games and lost 13 this season, have proven themselves as one of the NBA’s best teams during the first half of the season and are currently second in the Eastern Conference.

They are led by six-time NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire and are favourites to beat an inexperienced Pistons side who are 14-24 and fourth in the Central Division.

But what else do you need to know about the two teams?

KNICKS’ STAR MEN

Carmelo Anthony was a gold medallist with the USA at London 2012 and is among the leading point scorers in the NBA this season.

Pablo Prigioni (above) was last seen in London kicking a clock off the scorer’s table in anger after Argentina lost to Russia in the bronze-medal match at the Olympics.

Jason Kidd is a legendary NBA point guard best known for carrying the New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals in the early 2000s.

DRIVING THE PISTONS

Greg Monroe is the team’s leading points scorer this season. His No10 shirt was recently retired in recognition of legendary former player Dennis Rodman.

Tayshaun Prince is the one remaining member of the Pistons side that won the NBA title back in 2004.

Brandon Knight averaged more than 14 points during his second season in Detroit and has a bright future.

THE COACHES' VIEWS

Mike Woodson (Knicks)

“I was over here watching the Olympics and it is great to be back in London. It really was a hell of an experience in the summer and to be able to bring our team here this year [to the host city] is great. The fans will have a good opportunity to see basketball played at its highest level. I am very excited to show our great fans in London what New York basketball is about.”

Lawrence Frank (Pistons)

“It will be a fun place to play. London is a beautiful city. But at the end of the day, we are here to go win a game. It’s a special opportunity to be able to go to London. It’s an international game, and the international growth is great for everyone.”

LONDON CALLING

New York Knicks

The Knicks have played 37 games in 72 days so coach Woodson has used their trip to London to give his players a rest. After flying over on Monday, the players were given Tuesday off to see the sights.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons normally travel in their private jet but this time they they chartered a commercial jet and flew in with close to 200 people for the ‘home game’.

NBA in London

FRIENDLIES

2007

Boston Celtics 92 Minnesota Timberwolves 81

2008

Miami Heat 92 New Jersey Nets 94

2009

Chicago Bulls 102 Utah Jazz 101

2010

LA Lakers 92 Minnesota Timberwolves 111

REGULAR SEASON

2011

New Jersey Nets 116 Toronto Raptors 103

New Jersey Nets 137 Toronto Raptors 136

2013

New York Knicks v Detroit Pistons

Live on Sky Sports 1

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