Pistons Have Knack, Down Knicks : NBA playoffs:Detroit wins 12th consecutive postseason game, 104-97, and takes 2-0 lead to New York.

Isiah Thomas sank three of his five three-point baskets down the stretch as the Detroit Pistons beat the New York Knicks, 104-97, for their 12th consecutive NBA playoff victory and a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series Thursday night.

“He’s a big-game player,” Detroit Coach Chuck Daly said. “We needed that kind of outside shooting.”

The series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 Saturday and Game 4 Sunday.

The game was tied, 92-92, with 6:36 remaining, but Thomas made two three-point shots and Joe Dumars sank a free throw to put Detroit ahead, 99-94, with 4:27 left. Thomas hit another three-point shot with 1:03 remaining.

“It wasn’t a case of me trying to break open a big game,” Thomas said. “It was really the only shot I had. They had great defense. You have to give them credit.”

The defending champions, bidding to become only the third franchise to repeat as NBA champions, need one victory to match the Lakers’ record for consecutive playoff wins set last year.

Thomas had 23 points and James Edwards scored 32 for Detroit.

Gerald Wilkins of the Knicks, held to one-of-13 shooting in the Pistons’ 112-77 victory in the first game, scored 24 points. Charles Oakley had 22 and Patrick Ewing added 20 for New York.

It was the fifth consecutive game the Pistons held the opposition under 100 points. Detroit has held playoff opponents under 100 in 20 of 22 games.