I’ve been trying to figure out where to join this new New York Knicks team. It’s like playing double Dutch when you’re figuring out where to join in. There were five straight, six straight, seven straight. I’m in here, so let’s get into this.
Monday night, the New York Knicks hurt a Charlotte Hornets team that was also missing some key players. No matter. No Julius Randle? No problem. No O.G. Anunoby? Still, no problem.
But going forward, how long can the Knicks prevail without their two-time All-Star? What will the Knicks’ defense look like without Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle? What three players will need to step up to tide the team over?
Julius Randle is out…what’s next?
Julius Randle, the Knicks two-time All-Star, All NBA dislocated his shoulder during the Knicks vs Miami Heat game. (A Knicks player gets hurt during a Heat game?) I’m not calling foul, but…
Randle is currently the second-leading scorer on the team, with 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. He is 68th in the league, shooting 47.2% from the field. How do the Knicks make up for that?
1. Jalen Brunson - offense
Jalen Brunson, are you ready for your 60? Brunson is the team’s scoring leader, and he is 12th in the league with an average of 26.6 points per game. He’s tied for 15th in the league in assists with 6.5. Brunson is currently 61st in the league in field goal percentage with 48%. You might ask what more the Knicks could ask of him.
Monday night, in the first game without Randle, Brunson didn’t back off or fall off. He went all in, giving his team 32 points and seven assists. The Knicks point guard shot 54.2% from the field and 33.3% from three. Unfortunately, Brunson may have to have a couple of 40-pointers before it’s over. But it’s okay. He’s had 18 30-point games so far this season. They’re too tall to guard him…40 or 50-pointers will be nothing.
2. O.G. Anunoby - offense + defense
Since Mitchell Robinson went down, Randle stepped up, pulling down even more rebounds than usual. So, Mr. Anunoby, I know they’ve thrown a lot at you, but it wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle. Now, you will have to do your defense and Randle’s defense. There isn’t any doubt you won’t be up to the task. And can you please keep those new mid-range jumpers coming?
Anunoby was out in Monday’s massacre of the Charlotte Hornets with an elbow issue. The issue has been listed as day-to-day, and it’s hoped he will return soon.
3. Josh Hart - physicality
Josh Hart had nine rebounds in the first half of Monday night’s game and ended the night with 12. Randle is 16th in the league in rebounding with 9.2 per game. The Knicks will need Hart to perform like this, and Hart will have to bring all his strength and physicality every night. Hart averages 6.5 boards per game off the bench, which will likely go up with his added minutes. Since day one, Hart has brought that added hustle the Knicks need.
Of course, the entire Knicks roster has to step up on this one. If the Hornets’ debacle indicates what this new dominating team will do, the Knicks will do fine until Randle returns.
Miss Tee on Basketball around the league
On Monday night, there were many occasions when I sat back and said, “Oh my. “There were some serious upsets- way more devastating than what happened in Charlotte…
The 14-33 Portland Trailblazers defeated the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers 130-104. Joel Embiid did not play, among other things. If Embiid misses just five more games, he is ineligible for MVP contention. The Sixers’ record is now 29-16, and they sit at the third seed. The Knicks’ record is 30-17; both are six games from first.
The Brooklyn Nets beat the Utah Jazz 147-114. And guess who’s back? Ben Simmons, who was just two rebounds shy of a triple-double. Hmph.
The Rockets triumphed over LeBron James and the Lakers 135-119. Dillon Brooks got hit with a flagrant one for hitting James in the face, but the real story is that the Rockets, at one point, had a 30-point lead. Both A. Sengun and J. Green had 31 and 34 points respectively. James and A. Davis each had 23.
Finally, Doc Rivers lost his first game coaching the Bucks as they were defeated by the defending champion Nuggets 113-107.
It’s good to be behind the pen again. I have to be honest. I was way in my feelings, but if you know me, you know that. Now I’m back where I’m supposed to be, and no, I’m not a Raptors fan. But I’m a fan of those young men and will always be that.
I’m pleased about the Knicks’ direction, and I think maybe they should stand pat for the moment. But then, I’m only a fan who writes about the team she loves and not a front-office member
So until next time…