With 2 starters out, Knicks defeat Wizards by 21
Knicks defeat the Wizards 120-99 to even their tournament 1-1
The New York Knicks (7-5) defeated the Washington Wizards (2-10) in their second matchup of the In-Season Tournament 120-99. The Knicks have won their last five of six games and are now two games over .500. They’ve also evened the group play portion of the tourney series 1-1.
With this loss, the Wizards fall 0-3 and are out of the tournament. This is also their fifth consecutive loss.
The game…
The Knicks ended the half up by 11 points. But the Wizards came fighting back. Unfortunately, although they scored 29 points in the second quarter, the Knicks scored 30, ending the half 54-65.
The third quarter found the Knicks “playing with their food,” allowing the Wizards to get back in the game, including an 11-3 run, bringing the score to within six, 77-83.
But the Knicks would go on a 15-2 run in the fourth, while the Wizards go eight minutes without scoring.
The players…
Brunson was the game’s high scorer with 32 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, including shooting 6 for six from beyond the arc. Immanuel Quickley scored his season-high 27 points on 10 of 18 shooting for 55.6% from the field, including six rebounds and four assists.
Julius Randle shot 50% from the field, with 22 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
The Knicks tag team center duo of Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein each had eight rebounds. Mitchell Robinson added to his league-leading offensive rebounds, bringing it to 67.
Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo started for RJ and Quentin Grimes. Both did a great job, with Hart having nine points and four rebounds on four of four shooting from the field. DiVincenzo contributed 14 points and four rebounds.
Quentin Grimes was out with a sprained left wrist suffered in Wednesday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks.
What’s going on with RJ?
RJ Barrett was out for the third straight game with migraines. Thibs told reporters that the decision not to play was up to RJ and his doctors.
“Just probably getting back and getting his wind. He’s still, he’s feeling fatigued. So there’s stuff you normally feel when you’re sick. When he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go. I don’t know if they were able to find out specifically what it was, but he was very sick.
“You know, we trust him. He worked out this morning, he worked out before the game. If he says he’s ready to go, then he goes. If he’s not ready, then the next guy, get in there and get the job done.”
Thibs used 12 players this game, including Evan Fournier.
In my opinion…
The Knicks need RJ Barrett. Even with a 21-point win, again, the Knicks struggled in the third quarter. From the looks of the Wizards, the Knicks should have won by at least 30, but instead, they let the Wizards come back to within five of taking over the game.
How? Well, I believe the absence of Barrett and Grimes. The Knicks’ second unit is vital to their game, and without Barrett running the second unit, it is just not as good.
The Knicks defense shut down Jordan Poole to the tune of eight points, five assists, and five turnovers.
At first, Quickley not starting the game was upsetting, until I remembered that it’s not how you start the game, it’s how you end it, and Quickley ended it in grand fashion with his mother fiercely cheering him on from her courtside seat.
What’s next?
The Knicks travel to Charlotte, NC, for the second time this season to take on the Charlotte Hornets. The Knicks defeated the Hornets at home last week. The game starts at 6:00 pm on Saturday.
The Knicks’ RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes are “game-time decisions,” as well as the Charlotte Hornets’ James Bouknight and Terry Rozier.
Until next time, stay safe and healthy!