The New York Knicks have a new…spirit. It’s not just a new look or new players. Every time they take the court, it’s to win, and nothing else will suffice. They believe in themselves and, more importantly, in each other.
If anyone had any doubt after the loss in Memphis, there should be no more. The Knicks came out with a passion.
The Knicks’ new point guard, Jalen Brunson, scored 17 points on six of 11 shooting. He shot 54.5% from the field, 50% from beyond the arc, and 60% from the free throw line, with six rebounds. Oh, and he had no turnovers. Another blogger tweeted Donovan Mitchell’s points for the first three Cavaliers games. He failed to mention Mitchell’s 13 turnovers. So many turnovers in only three games. I don’t think there should be more comparisons of the Knicks without him.
RJ Barrett had a great bounce-back game. In the first quarter, he had four assists. Barrett scored 18 points on eight 15 shooting, 53.3% from the field, and 100% from the line. (You read it right).
Immanuel Quickley had a great bounce-back game, also. Leading all others on the team in scoring, Quickley had 20 points on 57.1% from the field, with seven rebounds and seven assists.
Julius Randle continues with his excellent play and attitude, which I think is better than his play. “There’s no agenda other than winning.” Randle had 15 points and six rebounds, shooting 66.7% from beyond the arc.
Speaking of beyond the arc, the Knicks had threes flying everywhere and shot 42.1% from three as a team. “The guys trust each other,” Brunson said after the game. Does that sound familiar? It should sound very familiar because that was the team's attitude during the 2020-21 season.
Six Knicks were in double figures. This includes Derrick Rose. If you missed this game, you missed a glimpse of the old Rose. Rose scored 13 points on 66.7% from the field and 75% from the three. Rose’s leadership in the second unit has helped Quickley immensely, teaching him to take over that role one day.
The Knicks’ bench outscored the Piston’s bench 64-22. When the Knicks’ bench is on point, the Knicks can be a more extraordinary team, and with Brunson should be able to be a better seed, get to the playoffs and advance further into them. That’s my take.
I haven’t forgotten about the coach. Have you noticed that Thibs seems to be incredulous at his own team? I love that. It’s how he was two seasons ago. He loves having Brunson leading on the floor. He points out how Barrett facilitates and is not putting Randle’s play above that of the others.
He calls each player out individually (Reddish, too), and I believe that makes them want to work harder for him and each other.
Tonight the Knicks take on the Orlando Magic. I hope they remember what happened the last time they took them for granted. Until next time…have a great game!