New York Knicks took the lineal NBA belt on October 27, 2026, beating Detroit Pistons 111–97 at home. It is reign 3,246 in the belt's history and the 205th for the franchise.
Detroit Pistons had held it since October 25, 2026: 2 days and 0 defenses.
New York Knicks last held the belt in 2026–27, 7 days before this one; that reign lasted 132 days with 1 defense.
The reign lasted 3 days and 1 defense, ending October 30, 2026 against Philadelphia 76ers.
The game
Knicks Capture Belt with Dominant 111-97 Victory Over Pistons The New York Knicks seized the lineal championship belt with a commanding 111-97 victory over the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. After Detroit bolted to a 38-25 lead in the first quarter, the Knicks completely turned the game around with a stifling defensive performance, limiting the Pistons to just 12 points in the second quarter and 13 in the third.