Ewing Gives Knicks Some Life Against Pistons : Eastern Conference: Detroit streaks end as New York cuts deficit to 2-1 at home, 111-103. Center has 45 points, 13 rebounds.

Madison Square Garden embraced its own again Saturday, the New York Knicks having returned home, though apparently not to die.

This is where they flourish, especially in the playoffs. The same Knicks, who came here down 0-2 in the first-round series against the Boston Celtics and ignited a stunning comeback, are relying on more of the same under similar circumstances this weekend, tougher opponent notwithstanding.

The first step was taken with a 111-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons before 18,212 as Patrick Ewing had 45 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots. A larger one could be taken in Game 4 today at Madison Square Garden in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Knicks had lost six in a row to Detroit, including the last two in Michigan by 35 and seven points. But by taking control from the start and hanging on, New York ended several other Piston streaks: 12 consecutive playoff wins, one short of the NBA mark set by the Lakers in 1988-89, and four postseason road wins in a row, a record they held with four other teams.

There were several reasons for the change of direction. Ewing, of course. Or Charles Oakley getting 20 rebounds, 12 more than any Piston. But just as noticeable is that, in a game decided in the last minute, Detroit missed 14 of 35 free throws.

“Concentration,” Piston center Bill Laimbeer said. “We overcame everything else and put ourselves in position to win. But we missed the free throws. That’s the bottom line. Sometimes when you shoot free throws like that, you don’t deserve to win.”

What the Pistons overcame was an 11-point deficit, 66-55, a few minutes into the second half. They had it down to five heading into the fourth quarter, 82-77, but the Knicks surged back, led by Ewing.

A one-time MVP candidate, whose stock dropped during the second half of the season as the Knicks did the same in the standings, went nine of 20 from the field in Game 2. He was in foul trouble most of his 35 minutes, and that marked the first time Ewing did not lead the Knicks in scoring during the playoffs. Bad timing, because a more representative showing could have given the series an entirely different look.

“I know it’s putting a lot of pressure on a human being,” New York’s Trent Tucker said after Game 3, “but for us to be successful in the playoffs, these are the types of games he has to have.”

That was never more evident than the key run of the fourth quarter. Ewing had an eight-foot jump shot from the right side, followed by an 11-footer on the left baseline and subsequent free throw on James Edwards’ foul. He followed that with a pass over his shoulder--while in the low post facing away from the basket--to Maurice Cheeks for a layup.

Quickly, the lead was back to 12, 89-77, with 10:24 remaining. Ewing, who had 16 of his points in the fourth quarter, was so excited he high-fived director Spike Lee, standing and applauding at his sideline seat, while turning back up court.

That was no audition to be in Lee’s next movie, Ewing said, smiling. But the run did come in a situation the 7-foot center couldn’t have scripted much better himself.

“They rarely double-team me,” Ewing said. “Sometimes, they may converge and try to slap the ball away when I put it on the floor.”

Nice try. Maybe next time.

“It’s hard for any one person to stop another person in this league one on one,” Ewing said, not referring just to himself. “You’re going to need help.”

Some quick healing would help, too. The Pistons’ top front-court defender, Dennis Rodman, struggled through 32 minutes because of the stomach flu. One of his assignments, Kiki Vandeweghe, scored 16 points, including a pair of three-point baskets.

“That’s my fault, letting Kiki get off like that,” Rodman said. “I usually shut down guys like that.”

And the Pistons usually make more free throws and win games they’re in at the end. But not this time, on either count.

From a 92-78 deficit, they rallied back to within 105-99 with 2:11 left, scoring on 10 of 12 possessions. When Mark Aguirre converted a fast-break layup with 47 seconds remaining, it was 107-103. But Detroit didn’t score again, though they had a chance to make it a two-point game soon after, but Isiah Thomas dribbled the ball off his leg and out of bounds just before a probable shot in close.

That was the Pistons’ last real chance. Because of it, with another home game today, the Knicks know they’ll have a few more.