The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards 112-108. New York started off slow, but the team found a way to close the game.
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The New York Knicks won a competitive match-up against the Washington Wizards, 112 to 108. The Knicks started the game cold but never let Washington put too much distance between them. The game of runs turned into a Knicks advantage with a big third from Jalen Brunson and a fourth-quarter spark from Immanuel Quickley.
But it isn’t a Knicks game until they’ve blown a late lead. New York led by 11 points with 2 minutes left in the game, then just 2 points with 16 seconds left. But they made enough free throws to hang on to the victory.
New York’s back at full health, giving the starters a balanced attack and added scoring punch to the bench. So let’s look at the performances that helped this victory come about.
Brunson’s dominance and Randle’s effort carry the Knicks’ starters again
Jalen Brunson: 34 PTS (12/24 FG, 3/6 3PT, 7/7 FT), 8 AST, 8 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 40 mins
Jalen Brunson continued his domination over opposing defenses. Brunson’s mastery of scoring at all three levels continues to astound. He’s confidently stepping into three-pointers that have turned 20-point games into 30-point nights. Beyond that, we always get footwork, speed changes, misdirections, and elite finishing from the star point guard.
Brunson expanded his impact well beyond scoring and demonstrated that by filling up the stat sheet. He chipped in 8 assists and 8 rebounds, including some highlights for each. I’ll never get tired of watching Brunson wrestle boards away from bigger players he boxed out. The small guard is good for one or two highlight dimes a night.
I may have to start grading the rest of the Knicks on a curve. Jalen Brunson’s leadership has placed him ahead of everyone else as the key to this season’s success. The Wizards led for most of the first half, but Brunson came out in the third and got buckets. He single-handedly took control of the game. Brunson notches a 5 out of 5 for a performance without discernible flaws.
Quentin Grimes: 8 PTS (2/10 FG, 1/7 3PT, 3/3 FT), 2 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 33 mins
Quentin Grimes shot the ball poorly, even missing a couple of attempts at the rim. The Wizards did an excellent job on closeouts, leaving fewer opportunities for the pump-fake and blow-by drives Grimes employs. He never found a firm way to contribute on offense, though his gravity and cutting still helped with spacing.
Grimes made up for offensive attrition by playing his brand of excellent defense. He often defended Jordan Goodwin or Corey Kispert, but his defensive value shined when New York needed to slow down Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma scored easily against most match-ups, but Grimes slowed the scorer to a halt during important late possessions.
Grimes’ rare subpar efficiency didn’t prevent him from having an overall positive impact. He made just enough happen on offense, while his defense was stellar. His struggles highlight the need to tighten up his in-between game, but I’m confident he’ll do that. Grimes gets a 2 out of 5 for his impact score.
RJ Barrett: 17 PTS (7/13 FG, 1/3 3PT, 2/4 FT), 1 AST, 5 REB in 32 mins
RJ Barrett’s usage slipped, but he turned in an efficient performance. Barrett picked his spots to attack, taking weak side positions and spacing the floor. When the Wizards weighted their offense to slow Brunson and Randle, RJ could step in and drive at the empty space they created. Barrett picked up well-timed buckets throughout the second half.
Barrett’s struggles came on the opposite side of the ball. He matched up with Kyle Kuzma, who was red hot. I understand when shooters get going, but Barrett didn’t apply ball pressure. So, Kuzma dribbled into his rhythm and attacked from his spots on the floor.
RJ’s been back for two games, but his scoring touch seems fine. I’m hoping the tough defensive match-up with Kuzma helped him shake off rust on that end. Barrett’s poised to feast on defenses that focus on Brunson and Randle. He picks up a 3 out of 5 for an efficient night from the field.
Julius Randle: 23 PTS (8/19 FG, 2/6 3PT, 5/8 FT), 1 AST, 16 REB, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 36 mins
Julius Randle attacked plenty but saw mixed results from the field. He even struggled at the free-throw line, though he knocked down a crucial one in crunch time. The big man’s best moments came with a full head of steam toward the basket, where he finished and dunked on opponents.
But Randle’s struggles with efficiency are easy to overlook. His defense, particularly on Kristaps Porzingis, was excellent. The big man outworked his opposition to the tune of 16 rebounds for the third straight game and the fourth time in 6 performances. He was New York’s second-best player even while struggling with his shot.
The effort makes Randle a joy to watch this year. He wills himself to have positive impacts when all else fails. The big man trusts Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett so that his “bad” nights from the field aren’t as harmful. Now we just need to see this version of Randle in playoff settings. The likely Allstar gets a 3.5 out of 5 for a strong night.
Mitchell Robinson: 4 PTS (2/4 FG, 0/2 FT), 10 REB, 3 BLK in 28 mins
Mitchell Robinson didn’t score much and missed his free throws in a quiet night on offense. But he still chipped in 5 offensive boards, creating second-chance opportunities that made up for New York’s sub-30 percent shooting from three.
But Robinson’s true impact landed on the defensive end. He showed impeccable timing to block shots off the glass and send them careening out as long rebound opportunities. In addition, his presence inside forced everyone but Kyle Kuzma to focus their offense on jump shots. KP is 7’3″, yet 5 of his 6 field goals came off jumpers.
Robinson is a perfect compliment for the starters. He doesn’t require a lot of touches, but his presence still requires extra attention. His rim protection makes life easier for every perimeter defender, typically when they chase over screens. Mitch gets a 3 out of 5 despite only scoring 4 points.
New York’s second unit gets its scorer back
Miles McBride: 0 PTS (0/1 FG, 0/1 3PT), 1 STL in 8 mins
I’m guessing that Miles McBride’s rotation spot is in jeopardy. He’s played 10 minutes or less in 3 of the last five games and scored more than 3 points once in that span. His defense is still great, but his inability to help the offense is limiting.
McBride only played 8 minutes and didn’t do much to stand out against Washington.
Immanuel Quickley: 18 PTS (7/13 FG, 1/4 3PT, 3/4 FT), 2 AST, 4 REB in 32 mins
The Knicks’ sixth man is back to his familiar role and scoring well. Immanuel Quickley scored off acrobatic and tricky finishes throughout the game. However, he saved his best scoring run for a series of baskets in the fourth, punctuating them with a cut and kick to Isaiah Hartenstein.
Quickley’s ability to blend with starters or lead the bench is invaluable. He knifed through the defense and provided the scoring that was missing from the second unit. His two-way presence also gives Tom Thibodeau several options for closing games out, as IQ has been integral even with the starters at total health.
IQ deserves a nice contract. He’s proven that he can be a starter, but he’s also crucial to the bench. The second unit looked lost without him, and it’s no coincidence that their best performance in weeks happened as he returned. Quickley gets a 3.5 out of 5 for the scoring punch he added.
Obi Toppin: 0 PTS (0/2 FG, 0/2 3PT), 1 AST, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 12 mins
We’ll chalk this up to Obi Toppin getting his feet wet. He’s returning from an extended layoff, which might explain his lack of opportunities at the rim. Nevertheless, Toppin still showed bursts of energy, leading a transition and throwing an alley-oop to RJ Barrett. But Obi is still working his way back into a rhythm and comfort, as he uncharacteristically stuck to the perimeter without any cuts or drives.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 8 PTS (3/6 FG, 2/3 FT), 7 REB, 1 TO in 19 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein started this game off slowly. He turned an early possession into multiple offensive rebounds and missed field goals with missed tip attempts. But Hart picked up momentum in the third quarter and punctuated his night with an emphatic dunk.
Hartenstein’s rebound total is slightly inflated by that missed tip-in rally. He had a few decent moments switching on defense and rotating to challenge players like Kuzma inside. But he didn’t do much that leaped off the screen.
I’ll cross my fingers and hope this is a step in the right direction. Hart’s 8 points mark his highest scoring since December 9th in Charlotte. He hasn’t topped 7 rebounds since December 16th. The big man has struggled to produce, but I commend his effort,, which was an improvement. Hartenstein gets a 2.5 out of 5 for sufficient numbers in under 20 minutes of play.
Tom Thibodeau keeps finding ways to win
The starting line-up’s minutes returned to a somewhat ordinary share. Tom Thibodeau tapped Jalen Brunson for 40 minutes of action again, but that felt understandable. Thibs adjusted Brunson’s rest by playing him to start the fourth but resting at about the 7-minute mark until 5 minutes left. That kept the closer refreshed for crunch time.
Beyond that choice, Thibodeau stuck to his regular habits. I always think the starters play too long into the third quarter. But New York’s coach split the minutes of Grimes, Barrett, and IQ evenly, drawing out their best skills and limiting their flaws.
The Knicks have won 14 of their last 20 games; I can’t keep looking for reasons to complain. I’m still nervous about in-game adjustments, but Thibodeau is doing something right. He gets a 4 out of 5 for managing the team through another victory.
Closing Thoughts
Let’s put aside the wins and losses, the tactics and rotations, and everything else that distracts us from the present. This Knicks team is fun, and I think the fanbase needs that. Last season brought out the nihilist in all of us, and fans feel on edge even during this recent success. Unfortunately, we’re so used to things going south that we sometimes forget to enjoy the present.
That realization hit like a Julius Randle dunk on Daniel Gafford’s head. I was worrying about a third quarter of doom and missing out on the fun of another Jalen Brunson takeover. So instead of stressing, I stopped sweating over who subbed in and when; or who we could trade for to take another step. Instead, I simply watched Brunson lead, Randle battle, Grimes work, Barrett slash, and Mitch overpower.
Enjoy it while we’ve got it! The schedule will be daunting soon, and success is fleeting like a double-digit lead at the Garden. So don’t forget to have fun, even when the Knicks give you plenty to stress about! New York plays Detroit next; I’ll see you then, Knicks fam!
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out CP on SNY with Ian Begley and Steve Popper to discuss why the Knicks should keep Immanuel Quickley!
