The New York Knicks demolish the Golden State Warriors132-94. The Knicks make light work in this matchup, earning their eighth win.
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The New York Knicks never trailed in a dominant victory over the Golden State Warriors 132 to 94. Everything clicked for the Knicks against a Warriors team missing Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and others. New York’s recipe for success is simple, get a lot of stops and dominate the glass. This marked the fifth time New York has held an opponent below 100 points during their 8-game winning streak, and they grabbed 18 more rebounds than Golden State.
New York’s most impressive feat is shooting efficiency despite struggles from the field for their big three. But there’s competition when the team wins by 38 points, with double-digit +/- tallies for every player in the rotation. Nevertheless, every player shined in some way, so let’s look back at the most dominant win of this eight-game win streak.
Maybe we should call New York’s starters the big-five
Jalen Brunson: 21 PTS (7/16 FG, 2/5 3PT, 5/6 FT), 5 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL in 30 mins
Jalen Brunson spent his first few attempts finding a rhythm. But once he figured out that he could effortlessly drive past Klay Thompson, Brunson dominated the Warriors’ defense. Brunson’s ability to knock down jump shots in space forced defenders to play tight, but no one could keep up with his footwork. He’s stepping into three-point shots and midrange jumpers with comfort, making him impossible to guard.
New York’s point guard played the maestro on the floor. However, his 5 assists don’t do justice to the control he wielded over the offense. Brunson got anywhere he wanted on the floor and made savvy plays depending on how the defense responded. Brunson’s no-look dimes to cutters were especially impressive.
Brunson added another corner steal and a few nice rebounds to the mix. On one play, he pried a rebound away from James Wiseman that wound up in Mitchell Robinson’s hands. His performance was an all-around gem, punctuated by no turnovers at the close. Brunson gets a 4.5 out of 5 for controlling this game.
Quentin Grimes: 19 PTS (5/9 FG, 4/8 3PT, 5/6 FT), 4 AST, 1 REB, 1 TO in 32 mins
Quentin Grimes knocked down big shots, drew a flagrant foul, and put together another efficient game. Grimes earned 19 points on 9 attempts by capitalizing on any time his teammates collapsed the defense. Because of that, Grimes found open space on the floor to shoot or cut to the basket aggressively. By the way, his off-ball movement seems to rub off on everyone else.
The Knicks’ lockdown defender contained Jordan Poole rather than shut him down. Poole managed 26 points, but just 2/8 from three, with 4 turnovers across 29 minutes. The Warriors ran Poole through constant screen action, and Grimes stuck to him through most of it. Add this to the impressive defensive performances of the sophomore.
Grimes appeared to turn his ankle after landing on Ty Jerome’s foot in a dangerous closeout. The injury put into perspective how important Grimes feels for this team. I panicked, and I could hear Knicks fans collectively holding their breath. But, the second-year standout continued to play, which was a relief. He’s been a catalyst for this run and earns a 4.5 out of 5 for the ridiculously efficient production that he provided.
(Editor’s note: Grimes is now doubtful for tonight’s game against the Toronto Raptors)
RJ Barrett: 18 PTS (8/19 FG, 1/6 3PT, 1/2 FT), 5 AST, 3 REB in 31 mins
RJ Barrett struggled to find rhythm in the first half. But he pieced together another dominant third, with 8 consecutive points and 11 overall for that period. Unfortunately, his dominant second half was cut short because the starters got to rest throughout the fourth quarter. But Barrett seemed to have found his scoring touch right at the end.
Barrett’s scoring isn’t the only part of his game showing improvement. He defended particularly well during that third quarter, navigating screens as well as we’ve seen all season. His passing was also on point, as he’s finding perimeter shooters better with each game. That makes him a versatile threat on every drive. Depending on the defense’s approach, he can finish, lob, or kick out to do damage.
Barrett’s making a nice run to cover for the abysmal November he had. He’s scoring 21 ppg on 44 percent from the field in December. Those numbers might be even higher if the starters didn’t rest for the fourth quarter. But more importantly, he’s doing more than ticking off box score stats with defensive contributions and ball movement. Barrett grabs a 4 out of 5 for dominating the third quarter.
Julius Randle: 15 PTS (5/12 FG, 1/6 3PT, 4/7 FT), 5 AST, 12 REB, 3 TO in 30 mins
I was prepared to criticize Julius Randle to start this game. Randle opened up with 5 three-point attempts and only made one of those shots. But once he settled in against Golden State’s defense, he began attacking off the dribble and spraying the ball to teammates. Before long, he had 15 points on decent efficiency and 5 assists.
Randle’s defense didn’t leap off the screen, but his rebounding did. The big man dominated the defensive glass with 10 boards while the next closest Knick grabbed 6. He made a few mistakes on rotations, but he was active and working throughout the action. That engaged approach has helped improve over prior defensive struggles.
It feels strange to call a 15 and 12 double-doubles forgettable. But Randle took what the defense gave him, which meant other players enjoyed the spotlight. It’s a humble, team-oriented approach that makes this one of my favorite games that Randle has put together. The Knicks won’t always need him to be a star or shoulder a heavy burden on offense with the talent they’ve compiled, and he seems to accept that.
Randle gets a 4 out of 5 for playing the team game effectively.
Mitchell Robinson: 9 PTS (3/3 FG, 3/4 FT), 1 AST, 11 REB, 3 STL, 1 TO in 29 mins
Mitchell Robinson continued his dominant run in the middle. He was the most effective big man on the floor at all times. Mitch dunked every touch in the middle or knocked down free throws when fouled.
Robinson didn’t record a block because players refused to challenge him, and we’ve seen this trend more recently. Players drive into the paint with defenders trailing and Mitch rotating, forcing them to throw bailout passes from traffic. They’re not even trying to finish over Robinson, which leads to his steals or passes that the Knicks’ guards can pick off.
I can keep the Robinson section short because he’s doing the same thing nightly. Mitch controls the paint at both ends of the floor, setting a tone for the defense and allowing players to shoot out of slumps. He might be the most unsung key to New York’s recent success. Robinson gets a 4 out of 5 for being the perfect anchor.
The Knicks’ bench comes to life in a big way
Deuce McBride: 10 PTS (4/7 FG, 2/5 3PT), 1 AST, 1 REB, 1 STL in 19 mins
Miles McBride is gaining confidence. He’s attempted four or more three-pointers in five of the last eight games. The defensive guard is shooting over closeouts now and even taking the odd jumper off the dribble. That confidence and shooting helped him to his second double-digit scoring effort of the season, both coming in the last two weeks.
McBride’s defense is the same every night. He’s aggressive and physical without fouling. As a matter of fact, McBride hasn’t picked up a foul in the last three games. That’s incredible, considering Deuce’s pressure at the point of attack.
As McBride builds confidence and takes more touches, he’ll allow Immanuel Quickley to play off the ball more. That’s big because Quickley seems much better in catch-and-shoot situations than off-the-dribble. They’re a shutdown defensive tandem, and they’re beginning to add scoring chemistry to the mix. McBride gets a 3 out of 5 for another strong performance.
Immanuel Quickley: 22 PTS (6/10 FG, 5/6 3PT, 5/5 FT), 2 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 4 TO in 23 mins
Immanuel Quickley knocked down his first three-pointer and seemed to find confidence from there. He’d been hesitant in space recently, pump-faking when he should shoot. But that wasn’t an issue in this game, as IQ fired away as soon as he saw room. The aggressive approach led to 22 points on 10 attempts and a torrid 5 out of 6 from long range.
The “don’t think, just act” approach did have a downside. Quickley picked up an uncharacteristic 4 turnovers, which ties his season high in 31 games played. But I’ll accept a few mistakes if IQ applies pressure to the defense as he did against Golden State. He was a constant threat to score and did so efficiently.
It wouldn’t be a Quickley recap without me talking about defense. The guard has become a genuine defensive presence, with 2 steals and a block in this action. Now that he has Grimes and McBride to help, IQ seems even more effective as a stopper. He picks up a 4.5 out of 5 for insane efficiency and only misses perfection due to the turnovers.
Jericho Sims: 8 PTS (4/4 FG), 7 REB, 1 TO in 18 mins
Jericho Sims has taken to a new frontcourt role effectively, but Tom Thibodeau has cut the sophomores minutes short on occasion. So it was nice to see Sims get extended minutes and continue to produce. The big man dunked everything near the rim and had some impressive rebounds and putbacks.
Sims’ athleticism and hops will always steal the show. But his defensive play and lateral movement are keys to his success next to Isaiah Hartenstein. Sims has the mobility to keep up with most power forwards, and he’s sufficient enough against wings to switch. That makes him especially valuable while defending teams that run a lot of motion or screens like Golden State.
Sims has only played more than 10 minutes three times since Obi Toppin went down. I’d like that to change. His upside is sneaky but impressive, particularly on the defensive end. Sims gets a 3.5 out of 5 for controlling the middle while Mitch sat.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 2 PTS (1/4 FG, 0/1 3PT), 3 AST, 5 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 18 mins
Each of Isaiah Hartenstein’s 3 assists was highlight-worthy. He threw two outlet passes with accuracy that would put Zach Wilson to shame. His third dime came in motion across the middle; he leaped into the air and hit a cutting Jericho Sims for the dunk. Hart’s passing left the TNT broadcast comparing him to Jokic.
Hartenstein’s defense was also superb. James Wiseman looked imposing but had nothing for Hart when they clashed in the post. New York’s backup center appears to have found his balance in a drop scheme, and he’s less pressed to fight for rebounds with Jericho Sims helping.
My one complaint for the big man is that he should probably bring rebounds down. I’ve never seen a player miss so many tip-in opportunities. But Hart earns a 3 out of 5 for finally flashing the passing skills we’ve been waiting for.
The coach gets a perfect score
I don’t have much to say about Tom Thibodeau’s success that hasn’t made it into prior recaps. This game didn’t require a lot of heavy lifting for Thibs. His team showed up prepared, outworked their opponent, and dominated by the second half. Everything has fallen into place during this run.
My one note for Thibodeau is that he left the bench playing for the entire fourth quarter. He sometimes sticks to his rotation to a frustrating extent. So it was nice to see Thibs rest his starters and trust the bench while they played well. Thibs gets a 5 out of 5 because his philosophy has come to fruition, and we can see the results.
Closing Thoughts
I’m a believer. I think this team is better than I expected going into the season and will continue to prove itself as long as health holds up. That’s a significant change from my discouraged takes before the rotation changes. Then, I was ready to endorse a tank after the Dallas loss. Now, eight games later, I’m thinking about playoff matchups.
My confidence comes from two places. First, the defense is sustainable because it’s the identifying attribute of half the players in the rotation. Grimes, Mitch, McBride, and Hartenstein are known for their defense, with Quickley joining that group because of his defensive consistency.
But the second part is the bigger surprise. The starting line-up found chemistry I didn’t know they could. After three years of shoddy teamwork, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are working off each well. Three starters picked up 5 assists against Golden State, with a fourth player chipping in 4 more. This team doesn’t have a star but has ways to produce buckets when needed.
The next opponent is the Toronto Raptors, who are reeling from 6 straight losses. I won’t underestimate them, but this is a clear opportunity for New York. The Knicks are playing too well to slip up against a team in mid-collapse. We’ll talk after the game, hopefully about the chances of a double-digit win streak. 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 today’s Game of the Week Preview, where Alex talks with William Lou, Host of The Raptors Show by Sportsnet, and discusses the Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors matchup!
