Dennis Schroder excelling as Pistons pest against Knicks: Just be who I am

DETROIT — Dennis Schröder has been a pest to the Knicks all series.He had 14 points, three assists and a steal in 22 minutes off the bench in the Knicks’ 106-103 Game 5 loss to the Pistons on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.Five of those points came in the fourth quarter.For the series, Schröder is averaging 13.2 points per game with stellar shooting — 52.3 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from 3-point range.

And when Ausar Thompson checks out, Schröder has usually taken on the role of guarding Jalen Brunson.Compared to the tall and lengthy Thompson, Schröder provides Brunson with a smaller, quicker look.And he’s having more fun with the Pistons than he’s had in years.

He spent parts of the past two seasons with the Nets, who traded him to the Warriors in December.He played 24 games for the Warriors before they traded him as part of the three-team deal to acquire Jimmy Butler, sending him to the Pistons.Detroit has been a perfect fit for Schröder, and the Pistons are benefitting from the pairing as well.Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series.“I love Brooklyn.

Played there, played great.They wanted to go a different route,” Schröder said.

“Went to Golden State, met incredible people and then came to Detroit.I think Detroit is one of the best situations I’ve been in.

I don’t have to change my style of play, I can be myself.I got a coach who is going at the refs, who is not taking no crap.

I’m like that.That’s the reason I’m in the league for 12 years.

I’m 6-foot-1, I’ve got to find my way somehow.I love that I don’t have to change myself and I can just be who I am.

My teammates embrace me.I just try to help every game.”Beyond his on-court production, the 31-year-old Schröder has provided valuable veteran leadership to a young Pistons core, particularly to Cade Cunningham.

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