The Knicks’ too-close-for-comfort win Friday over the Pistons underscored a trend in the first few weeks of their season: Their free-throw advantage has not carried over from last season.

In 2021-22, the Knicks were second-best in the NBA at getting to the line and 13th best at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe. In all, the Knicks shot 154 more free throws than their opponents.

A season later — with a roster that is actually shooting more shots from inside the arc, which theoretically should lead to drawing more fouls — the Knicks ranked 19th at generating free throws entering Saturday.

The Knicks allowed Detroit to hang around because the Pistons took 41 free throws, which sunk the Knicks to 23rd in limiting free throws defensively. This season, Knicks opponents have shot 14 more free throws than Tom Thibodeau’s team.

“Obviously, the free-throw stuff, we’ve got to be better with not fouling and adjust to the way the game was being officiated,” the Knicks head coach said after the 121-112 win Friday. “It was called tight.”

The Knicks are a team built for slashing, led by Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, none of whom live outside the 3-point arc. Barrett averaged 5.8 free throws per game last year and is averaging 4.9 this season.

“Too small of a sample size. I think it’s going the other way, and we’ve got to attack the rim,” Thibodeau said. “I think RJ is great at it. I think Julius is great at it. I think Derrick [Rose is] a great downhill player.

“So that’s a big thing, and I am concerned about it. I do want us to be in the top 10 in that area.”

Quentin Grimes was not listed on the Knicks’ injury report heading into their meeting with the Thunder at the Garden on Sunday, so the second-year guard is expected to play in his third game since missing two with foot soreness.

Grimes, whose foot has bothered him since training camp, played just 4:36 in the loss Wednesday at the Nets and 7:43 against the Pistons.

“He’s feeling good,” Thibodeau said Friday. “He’s still situational.”