The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards 115-109. New York started slow, but Randle scored 46 points to help the team win!
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The New York Knicks came back from 19 points down to overcome the Washington Wizards 115 to 109. The Wizards had a scorching hot start from three, with former Knick Kristaps Porzingis leading the charge. Julius Randle helped New York avoid a blowout, but he didn’t have much help early. The team looked rusty and out of rhythm.
But a bit of second-quarter taunting seemed to energize the team. They began to chip away at the deficit, with Randle leading the pack. By halftime, New York was only down by four points, and by the end of the third, they’d taken the lead. Washington forced New York to fight into the final minute of action, but the Knicks responded well.
Let’s see how it all came together for New York’s fourth consecutive victory.
Don’t talk trash to Julius Randle or the Knicks’ starters
Jalen Brunson: 13 PTS (6/20 FG, 0/3 3PT, 1/1 FT), 9 AST, 4 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 39 mins
Jalen Brunson struggled with his offense, missing even when he got to his favorite spots on the floor. The star guard missed open jumpers and watched floaters rim out. But his ability to dribble anywhere on the floor elevated his playmaking. It helped that Randle was on fire, but Brunson fed everybody else just as well.
More importantly, the clutch point guard stuck to his habit of making big shots when needed. Even though Randle spent most of the game picking up the slack for everybody, Brunson came up with the most clutch basket of the night. As usual, he flashed incredible footwork and spectacular touch when making the go-ahead bucket over Kristaps Porzingis with less than a minute to go.
Brunson almost picked up a double-double on an off night. This was a poor game by All-Star standards, but he still made big plays and kept the offense flowing. The diminutive guard picks up a 3 out of 5, even on a tough shooting night.
Quentin Grimes: 5 PTS (2/4 FG, 1/2 3PT), 2 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 21 mins
Quentin Grimes stood out for a few plays, particularly a transition dunk that showed off his speed and leaping ability. The young wing also knocked down a baseline three off a nifty no-look from Brunson. But his touches were too limited to produce much more.
The sophomore’s defense was truly notable. He covered Bradley Beal effectively, limiting the scorer’s open looks all game. Most of Beal’s limited production came while Grimes was sitting. The fact that Beal found more success against a talented defender such as Josh Hart is a testament to how well Grimes defended.
I’d love to see New York’s defensive prospect assert himself more. But it’s hard to blame him, considering how Julius Randle was cooking. The lockdown defender still found opportunities to stand out with scoring and passing in his reduced role. He gets a 3 out of 5 for his defensive impact and efficient, albeit limited, production.
RJ Barrett: 14 PTS (5/10 FG, 1/2 3PT, 3/4 FT), 3 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 28 mins
RJ Barrett struggled with his offense throughout the first three quarters, picking up turnovers as often as field goals through three quarters. But he came to life in the fourth quarter with three baskets and an assist over four consecutive possessions. Nevertheless, he still caught a quick hook in that fourth.
On a positive note, the former top-three selection knocked down a three-pointer and a mid-range pull-up off a screen (it’s always nice to see him knock down some jumpers).
Barrett showed energy on defense, leading to an early steal and a few more deflections. But there’s still room for improvement, especially compared to his counterparts for minutes. I’ll say the same for his playmaking. He threw some nice dimes, especially in transition, but they weren’t enough to stand out from the other wings.
Barrett’s best skill is scoring, but the Knicks get enough of that from Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. As long as other wings defend better, rebound better, or create more effectively, then Barrett won’t close as many games. He played well enough to warrant a 2.5 out of 5 for an impact grade, but there’s room for growth.
Julius Randle: 46 PTS (16/29 FG, 7/14 3PT, 7/7 FT), 2 AST, 2 REB, 2 STL, 1 TO in 36 mins
Julius Randle started the game shooting well, while every other Knick still searched for a rhythm. He hit some ridiculous shots to keep pace with the hot start from Kristaps Porzingis. But he kicked it into another gear when the game was on the verge of a blowout after Kyle Kuzma antagonized him with a too-small gesture.
The big scorer finished inside against a large Wizards’ interior defense and threw down a few impressive dunks. Then, when all else failed, Julius knocked down difficult step-back jumpers from a distance. He had everything going on offense, though he only supplied limited production elsewhere.
Kuzma’s joke also seemed to lock Randle in on defense. He’d had some early lapses but limited his mistakes as the game progressed. Any defensive slip-ups were easy to forgive as he carried the offense for long stretches of action. That easily deserves a 4.5 out of 5 for his impact.
Mitchell Robinson: 10 PTS (5/6 FG), 12 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK in 28 mins
Mitchell Robinson marked his return with a double-double. He was back to being a force on the boards with 4 offensive rebounds, including a couple of putbacks. The giant nearly gave me a heart attack limping after a few impressive dunks. But he moved around well, controlling the glass.
Robinson’s defensive presence was back as well. He showed perfect timing to deny a floater from Bradley Beal right at its peak. Unless KP pulled Mitch away from the basket, nobody was finishing inside. Kyle Kuzma was the only player to put consistent finishes together inside and did most of that against wings and Randle.
It’s great to have Mitchell Robinson back. Finally, the rotation feels complete, with Mitch creating improbable second chances and ruining opposing attempts at the rim. The big man earns a 3.5 out of 5 and adds a new dynamic to a team already rolling.
A decent night for New York’s second unit, led by IQ
Immanuel Quickley: 16 PTS (6/11 FG, 3/6 3PT, 1/2 FT), 1 AST, 3 REB, 3 TO in 30 mins
Immanuel Quickley was the pulse of the second unit. His unpredictable style left defenders watching as he knocked down crafty shots in the paint. IQ also knocked down jumpers from long range with rapid-fire shots that fell even when he was off-balance.
Quickley’s 16 points on 54 percent from the field were excellent, but his defense might have been better. Quick spent most of the second half locking up ball handlers and forcing shooters to rush contested shots. He always seemed to be the player defending the rock when New York forced a shot-clock violation.
Quick belongs in the sixth man of the year conversation, without a doubt. He’s one of the Knicks’ best two-way players while being an Ironman, missing just 1 of the 60 games played. He’s been consistent, and last night was no different. Quickley picks up a 3.5 out of 5 for leading the bench squad.
Josh Hart: 5 PTS (2/6 FG, 0/1 3PT, 1/2 FT), 4 AST, 6 REB, 2 TO in 27 mins
Josh Hart struggled to get looks inside against Washington’s shot blockers. His usual finishes inside were replaced with blocked shot attempts and kick outs. But his ability to draw defenders and whip the ball outside still helped, contributing to his 4 assists.
Despite Hart’s struggles from the field, he stayed in the game for the entire fourth quarter because of his tough defense and hard work on the boards. He rewarded Thibodeau’s faith with two hustle plays that created extra possessions during clutch time.
That’s the kind of player New York has needed. Hart doesn’t need touches to create a significant impact. His nose for the ball on both sides helps create extra opportunities for the scorers on the roster. Hart earns a 3 out of 5 for some huge plays to close.
Obi Toppin: 2 PTS (1/4 FG, 0/1 3PT), 2 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 12 mins
Obi Toppin couldn’t get much going and looked hesitant to shoot a couple of times. But he picked up a nice second-half steal and later on a transition dunk. But with Randle cooking, Obi barely got the minutes to find a rhythm.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 4 PTS (2/2 FG), 10 REB, 2 STL in 20 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein struggled in his first stint on the floor. He kept getting caught up in screen action and failing to return to Porzingis. That’s not entirely his fault, but I-Hart’s impact didn’t pick up until KP cooled off.
Hartenstein’s work on the boards gained traction as the game wore on. His defense came around, and he added a couple of buckets inside. He made up for the lackluster start and played a solid backup role, earning a 2 out of 5.
Slow and steady wins the race with Tom Thibodeau
Tom Thibodeau kept his cool when the Knicks were down early. He stuck to his rotation and trusted his players. Eventually, they shook off the cobwebs and found their intensity to come through for Thibs.
It happened again when Thibodeau stuck with his bench wings to close. Josh Hart had struggled on offense but made two crucial plays to clinch the victory. IQ was outstanding all game, adding a big three from the baseline late. Brunson entered the fourth early despite his struggles, then picked up the biggest basket of crunch time.
We’re fans and bound to question Thibodeau’s rotations and adjustments because those have been his challenges historically. But right now, Thibodeau has a full rotation of players equipped to run his schemes. They’re showing the value of coach Thibodeau’s approach to basketball, and he earns a 4 out of 5 for coaching another impressive win.
Closing Thoughts
My favorite call from last night’s KFTV Post Game show came as a caller suggested that 50 wins aren’t out of reach. CP seemed skeptical, but when JD took him through the remaining schedule, his predictions left New York at 49 victories. So the optimism is real, and anyone that hasn’t jumped out the window is at least halfway there without realizing it.
As the guys discussed last night, this next week is significant. They’ll play the Boston Celtics twice, with the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat sandwiched between them. That’s four-straight games against playoff teams, including two with the best in the East. So if New York takes 3 of those games, tell JD to grab the grill, and I’ll bring the ketchup and mustard.
But we’re not just eating burgers…I’ll be eating crow. I was wrong about Julius Randle, and I’ve never been happier to misjudge a player. Randle was spectacular against Washington, just like he’s been all year. His turnaround is like the team’s, a pleasant surprise for the fans.
Before the big week starts, New York has to face New Orleans a day after the Wizards battle. That’s a winnable game and an important one to maintain momentum. We’ll see how they do and discuss it here. 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’s interview with David Biral, one of music’s hottest producers!
