The Knicks’ resurgence will face its toughest test yet.
They carry an eight-game winning streak into Detroit on Friday night for their game against the Pistons.
Even with that run of success, the Knicks are more than arm’s length away from the Pistons at the top of the Eastern Conference.
At 33-18, they are tied with the Celtics — whom they face in Boston on Sunday — for second in the conference.
The Knicks were in the midst of their downturn during their previous matchup with the Pistons — their fourth loss during a stretch in which they lost nine out of 11 games.
They were punked — with that matchup in Detroit as well — from the get-go, falling 121-90 just hours after owner James Dolan went on the radio and reiterated championship expectations.
“It’s pretty simple,” coach Mike Brown said after that game. “They just physically kicked our ass. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it.”
The Knicks beat a handful of playoff-caliber teams during their current streak, most recently the Lakers and Nuggets.
But both of those came at home, and neither opponent possesses the type of physical, bully-like identity the Pistons do.
That physicality was something the Knicks struggled with in that first matchup — and at other times this season as well.
Beating the Lakers and Nuggets was impressive.
Wins on the road over the 76ers and Raptors during this streak helped regain confidence.
But two matchups on the road against the two teams right around them in the standings in the Pistons and Celtics offer a better measuring stick of the Knicks’ mettle.
And the Pistons will be playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
The Knicks, having just completed their own back-to-back, had Thursday to rest and travel.
Karl-Anthony Towns (eye laceration) and Josh Hart (ankle) are questionable for the Knicks, while OG Anunoby (toe) is probable.
“Trying to come home with the ‘W,’ ” Mitchell Robinson said of the Pistons matchup. “Just trying to get it done. Go out there and fight.”
