The New York Knicks fell to the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers. It went from poor shooting to not good enough.
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The Knicks lost back-to-back games to the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers, but the losses were the last thing on most fans’ minds.
New York lost to Orlando 108 to 117 in a performance that looked listless at times. The next day, fans woke up to the news that RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley had been dealt, along with Detroit’s second-round pick in 2024, for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.
The trade shocked fans and might explain the shell-shocked look of some players against Orlando. It also left New York’s roster depleted in Indiana, losing 126 to 140.
A lot will change with New York’s roster, but I’ll discuss that in the closing thoughts. Let’s discuss player performances, say farewell to two homegrown talents, and think about the rotation’s future.
New York’s starters fail to keep up in either game
Jalen Brunson:
Game 1: 20 PTS (4/15 FG, 0/4 3PT, 12/12 FT), 8 AST, 7 REB, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 34 mins
Game 2: 28 PTS (9/22 FG, 4/8 3PT, 6/9 FT), 6 AST, 1 REB, 1 BLK, 4 TO in 41 mins
Jalen Brunson played a pair of uncharacteristically inefficient games. He shot poorly from the field and turned the ball over 7 times across the two games.
Part of the problem was physicality, as Orlando took to beating up Brunson right in front of the refs. Brunson earned 21 free throws across the two games but still got beat up more than those free throws could cover. He was more effective in the open space and transitions of the Indiana game, but neither performance was his best.
Brunson might find help in a more consistent shooter starting at small forward. But OG Anunoby’s gravity hasn’t always impressed. I suspect teams will continue to collapse on Brunson, but his kickouts might lead to higher assist tallies on those nights. Brunson gets a 2 out of 5 for his inefficient nights.
Donte DiVincenzo:
Game 1: 2 PTS (1/7 FG, 0/5 3PT), 2 AST, 1 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 20 mins
Game 2: 38 PTS (15/21 FG, 7/11 3PT, 1/1 FT), 2 AST, 6 REB, 4 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 36 mins
Donte DiVincenzo was a no-show in Orlando. Their lengthy guards and quality defense seem perfect for shutting down the undersized but hardworking DiVincenzo.
But the Pacers’ defense-optional and fast break-always style gave DiVo more open looks than a three-point shootout. DiVo shot the lights out and worked his tail off on the boards and defense. He finished arguably the best game of his career, a basket shy of 40 points with 5 steals and blocks at the other end.
DiVo hit the low-point and high-point of his starts with the Knicks in this back-to-back. He was terrible in Orlando, including 0/5 from three. But Indiana showed precisely why he broke into the starting unit, as he outshined even Brunson and Randle. The Big Ragu gets a 2.5 out of 5 for the contrasting performances.
RJ Barrett:
Game 1: 19 PTS (7/17 FG, 1/5 3PT, 4/5 FT), 2 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL, 2 TO in 37 mins
Game 2: DNP (Traded)
The game in Orlando felt like a magnifying glass on all the ways RJ Barrett was a square peg trying to fit a round hole on New York’s roster. Orlando left RJ wide open from three, but he couldn’t convert. On defense, he had to guard either Franz Wagner or Paolo Banchero, which felt like a consistent mismatch.
The bad match-up left New York’s problems magnified and gave RJ a poor final performance with New York. But that shouldn’t sour the fact that Barrett played four and a half years in orange and blue. He played a crucial role in two playoff trips and remains a young talent with 20 points per game ability.
OG Anunoby hits open looks more consistently and plays elite defense. He’s a better fit at SF for this team, but that isn’t a slight on Barrett. I wish RJ the best in Toronto, and I’m grateful we got to see him develop in New York.
Julius Randle:
Game 1: 38 PTS (16/25 FG, 0/4 3PT, 6/8 FT), 6 AST, 12 REB, 1 BLK, 5 TO in 36 mins
Game 2: 28 PTS (9/22 FG, 1/5 3PT, 9/13 FT), 4 AST, 12 REB, 5 TO in 39 mins
Julius Randle put up big numbers but continually lost his temper throughout the two games. He went from jawing at refs while Orlando knocked down comeback-killing three-pointers to beefing with former teammate Obi Toppin in Indiana. So, as good as his numbers were, I’m concerned about the season starting to wear him down mentally.
But that shouldn’t erase Randle’s 38-point explosion against Orlando. He single-handedly kept the game within reach by dominating in the paint. Surprisingly, Obi Toppin might have been Randle’s best individual defender across the two games. Randle also hit 12 rebounds in each performance, which is always impressive.
Randle was good but not great. His defensive effort was disappointing, to say the least, particularly on closeouts. He picked up 5 turnovers in each game, which is far too much. But he scored and rebounded like a star. So this is a 2.5 out of 5 kind of back-to-back for the big man.
Isaiah Hartenstein:
Game 1: 7 PTS (2/4 FG, 3/3 FT), 3 AST, 3 REB, 3 STL, 2 TO in 25 mins
Game 2: 2 PTS (1/3 FG), 6 AST, 9 REB, 1 TO in 33 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein poured a lot of energy into the game in Orlando despite few rebounds. Orlando had I-Hart chasing Paolo Banchero around and defending him well at times. But the exhausting affair left Hartenstein looking slow against the speedy Pacers. His rebounding and playmaking picked up, but the starting center struggled to score.
The pair of games also highlighted the difference between Mitchell Robinson’s and I-Hart’s presence. Hartenstein challenges everything he can reach but isn’t the same deterrent as Mitch. Both Orlando and Indy attacked the paint in ways teams virtually never do while Robinson is healthy.
I-Hart gets a 2 out of 5 for a tough match-up followed by a fatigued performance.
The Knicks’ second unit will look different soon
Immanuel Quickley:
Game 1: 12 PTS (4/10 FG, 3/7 3PT, 1/1 FT), 1 AST, 1 REB, 1 TO in 28 mins
Game 2: DNP (Traded)
Immanuel Quickley hit multiple threes against Orlando, making him unique for the struggling Knicks. He played well until the fourth quarter when his shots were in and out on every try. He gave a few spots of vintage IQ, but it’s a disappointing end to the Quickley era; the same is true of RJ.
It says a lot that Quickley’s inclusion in the trade for Anunoby meant New York could keep all of its first-round picks. IQ has looked like a starter-value player with upside for two years now. He would never get that chance behind Jalen Brunson on this roster. So, it’s bittersweet to see him traded to a place he might thrive in with more extensive opportunities.
I think the entire fanbase will miss IQ, but I’m glad to see him get his chance at taking another leap.
Quentin Grimes:
Game 1: 3 PTS (1/3 FG, 1/3 3PT), 2 REB, 1 STL in 14 mins
Game 2: DNP (illness)
Quentin Grimes barely played against Orlando, which is frustrating because his spacing and defense could have helped more. I wonder if he was already under the weather because he missed the second game with an illness.
It’s hard to say if Grimes’s minutes were cut for basketball reasons or illness because the logjams on the wing have cut his minutes regardless of the “why.” That makes the Anunoby trade especially interesting for QG. Grimes should see more minutes without having to defend much bigger players since there’s another option.
This should be his chance to shine.
Josh Hart:
Game 1: 5 PTS (2/4 FG, 1/2 3PT), 4 REB, 2 TO in 31 mins
Game 2: 10 PTS (4/9 FG, 1/2 3PT, 1/2 FT), 1 AST, 10 REB, 1 STL in 38 mins
Josh Hart had one of those “we need production” performances in Orlando. His size rarely comes into play, but Orlando’s length put it under a magnifying glass. He couldn’t get the transition looks we’re used to because every Magic player had the length to deter him.
Hart bounced back in Indiana with a great effort. He chased down three offensive boards in one possession, only to watch open shooters brick his kickouts each time. Hart’s double-double came as a starter, but I suspect he’ll move back to the bench unit once OG Anunoby is cleared to play.
Hart’s one of many players with the “one good and one bad” combo for this back-to-back. But his high point didn’t quite hit the same as the others. So, he gets a 2 out of 5 for the performances rather than the 2.5s I gave to DiVincenzo and Randle.
Taj Gibson:
Game 1: 2 PTS (1/1 FG), 4 REB, 1 BLK in 15 mins
Game 2: 2 PTS (1/3 FG), 1 AST, 2 REB, 1 TO in 14 mins
Taj Gibson worked his tail off but looked exhausted in the process. He put together solid work against Orlando in brief bursts, but his impact deteriorated as fatigue set in with each stint on the floor. Indiana’s pace left Gibson less effective, while sometimes seeming out of place at times.
I expect Precious Achiuwa to take Gibson’s minutes or at least get a shot at them. Achiuwa is a solid young player whose development has stagnated. Maybe a return home will kick him into gear. Taj earned a 2 out of 5 for putting in hard work under challenging circumstances.
Deuce McBride:
Game 1: DNP (Coach’s Decision)
Game 2: 5 PTS (2/3 FG, 1/2 3PT), 1 AST in 17 mins
Miles McBride might be the next backup PG to get a shot now that IQ is off the roster. McBride’s defense stood out despite New York struggling for stops against Indiana. But we know about his defense; Deuce’s role will be decided by how much he can contribute offensively. He’s flashed a pull-up from inside the arc and hit one of his threes against Indy.
McBride signed a three-year extension after the game. So, it feels like New York wants to give him some runway to earn a rotation spot. He’s one of my favorite Knicks because I’m a sucker for defense, so I’m looking forward to his opportunity.
Evan Fournier:
Game 1: DNP (Coach’s Decision)
Game 2: 10 PTS (3/10 FG, 2/8 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 AST, 2 REB, 3 STL, 1 TO in 17 mins
Evan Fournier finally got his shot, thanks to the trade and Grimes’ illness. With limited offense in the second unit, he had every opportunity to fire away. But he bricked most shots and tied Taj Gibson for worst +/- off the bench.
Tom Thibodeau has rotation decisions to make
Leon Rose made Tom Thibodeau’s life a bit easier with the OG Anunoby trade. It cleared up a logjam that I’ve spent too many recaps complaining about. The trade also brought in competition for backup minutes at PG (Malachi Flynn) and PF/C (Precious Achiuwa).
With the new additions, Thibodeau received better-fitting pieces to utilize. However, he must make big decisions about minute distribution and opportunities. He’ll have to get a new rotation into shape fast because New York has slipped to 8th in the standings.
Closing Thoughts
The games are a blur after the big trade, and I don’t think anyone was as focused on the game in Indiana as they were on the deal’s implications. So, what does OG Anunoby give New York?
First and foremost, OG gives them the elite wing defender they’ve missed when matched with elite wings like Jayson Tatum or Kawhi Leonard. Anunoby has averaged 38 percent from three on more than 6 attempts per game across the last 4 seasons. He’s the best version of the 3 and D wing archetype, scoring 17 points per game with elite defense and usage far below the needs of a player like RJ Barrett.
In other words, OG Anunoby is a perfect fit between Brunson and Randle on paper. He covers for their defensive flaws while capitalizing on the open looks they produce. But he’s not the ball-handler or playmaker that IQ was and hasn’t proven he can be leaned on the way RJ Barrett was at times.
The other key component of this trade is flexibility. New York acquired OG without losing picks. They can conceivably swing another trade for a coveted star. Anunoby’s low usage and elite defense across all five positions should mean that New York can take more considerable risks on the type of player they bring in.
The future just got a lot more unpredictable and interesting for the Knicks. They’ll play a matinee on Monday, hopefully, with the new pieces in place. I’m sure we’ll have a lot to discuss. See you then, Knicks fam!
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. Subscribe to the newsletter for KFTV content and events, shop discounts, and more at bit.ly/kftvmail. And in case you missed it, check out CP The Fanchise and Alex Trataros discuss the OG Anunoby trade.
