NY sports history: Feb. 15, 1999

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Monday, Feb. 15, 1999

Knicks' defense in lockdown mode

The Knicks became only the third NBA team since the inception of the 24-second clock in 1954 to hold two consecutive opponents under 70 points with a 78-69 win over Detroit before a crowd of 19,763 at the Garden. Patrick Ewing had 14 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots. The Knicks blocked 12 shots and had nine steals in holding the Pistons to 33.3 shooting from the field, including 0-for-7 on three-pointers. Four days earlier, the Knicks beat Chicago, 73-68. They did it again a week later, holding the 76ers (78-67) and Bulls (79-63) under 70. In a season that was shortened by a lockout, the Knicks held their first 10 opponents under 100 points and allowed 100 or more only five times in 50 regular-season games. The Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. In four rounds - 20 games - of the postseason, the Knicks did not allow an opponent to reach the 100-point mark.