The New York Knicks defeat the Phoenix Suns 102-83. New York’s defense was potent, while Randle and Brunson were the catalysts on offense.
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The New York Knicks shut down the Phoenix Suns en route to a 102 to 83 victory. The Knicks held Phoenix to 11 points in the first quarter and 31 in the first half, including a 21-to-nothing run. New York’s defense set the tone while its offense rolled with high efficiency and 26 assists as a team.
Julius Randle and the returning Jalen Brunson led the team’s offense. But there were contributions across the starting line-up with signs of life from the bench. So let’s take a closer look at one of New York’s most dominant performances of the season.
New York’s starters control the game at both ends
Jalen Brunson: 24 PTS (8/18 FG, 2/3 3PT, 6/11 FT), 6 AST, 4 REB, 2 TO in 39 mins
Jalen Brunson returned from injury and spent a quarter shaking off some rust and missing a few shots. But he was back in rhythm by the second quarter, breaking down the defense with footwork inside and jumpers on the perimeter. The Suns used a familiar method, sending lengthy defenders like Mikal Bridges to slow down Brunson. That strategy barely worked.
Brunson filled in the rest of his performance with smart passing and tough work on the boards. His four rebounds are nice, but I was even more impressed at how often he poked offensive rebounds away from Phoenix’s big men. The six assists came about in Brunson’s usual methodic manner. He can pick up flashy dimes, but Brunson often beats the defense with quick, simple decisions that opponents can’t keep up with. For example, a fast swing pass from Brunson can spark a chain reaction just as well as something flashy might.
Brunson’s only blemishes came from free throws. He’s a typically stellar free-throw shooter, so his struggles should pass. Yet, the point guard did everything else well and put up most of his impressive stat line within three-quarters of work. As a result, Brunson picks up a 4.5 out of 5 for his predominantly positive impact.
Immanuel Quickley: 15 PTS (6/12 FG, 3/6 3PT), 3 AST, 5 REB, 1 TO in 35 mins
Immanuel Quickley shifted to a secondary role after dominating as the lead ball handler in the past few games. He didn’t miss a beat, shooting 50 percent from the field and three. IQ didn’t have as many opportunities to create for teammates but still managed 3 dimes and plenty of connecting passes.
Quickley’s defensive play stood out as he challenged shooters and drew several moving screen violations. He and Quentin Grimes make an impressive two-way pair for the starting unit. They provided spacing, pace, and defensive pressure that allowed Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to focus on their strengths.
IQ is playing the best basketball of his career. His offensive efficiency has finally picked up, catching up to his impressive defensive play. He adds a 4 out of 5 impact score by playing the perfect compliment for New York’s best players.
Quentin Grimes: 12 PTS (5/9 FG, 2/6 3PT), 5 AST, 3 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 36 mins
Quentin Grimes’ playmaking ability stole the show for his performance. He continually drove past defenders and drew a second or third defender before passing to dunkers inside. Grimes’ first step is an underrated weapon, and his reads in the lane are advanced for a sophomore.
Grimes’ ability to take and make shots from any location around the arc allowed him to draw closeouts to beat. He never hesitated when there was space to take the jumper. Grimes’ decision-making allowed for a pair of threes and a 12-point and 5-assist night despite playing predominantly off the ball.
It goes without saying that Grimes was fantastic on defense. He’s a joy to watch as a help defender, and his block came against a Mikal Bridges jump shot. He pressured ball handlers all game long and managed to avoid any fouls, which makes me wonder if his reputation is earning the benefit of fewer whistles from refs. Grimes gets a 4 out of 5 for another highly efficient night.
Julius Randle: 28 PTS (7/18 FG, 4/12 3PT, 10/12 FT), 6 AST, 16 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 40 mins
Julius Randle received MVP chants for yet another dominant performance. He scored or drew whistles throughout the night, forcing Phoenix to send double teams. Randle made smart reads and quick passes as the doubles approached, sparking cutters and shooters alike. As a result, his assists per game are trending up, while his turnovers trend down.
Randle’s control over the game displayed itself in the fourth quarter. The Suns made a run to take the lead down to the teens for the first time in the second half. Randle checked into the game, drew a pair of free throws, and then whipped an assist for three points. Within two plays, he ended any hope that Phoenix could mount a comeback.
Randle continued his impressive work on the glass as well. His effort never waned, even as the game was comfortably in hand. His lone steal came from hustling back in transition late in the game with a commanding lead. Randle deserves an all-star nod for the season he’s putting together. He picks up a perfect 5 out of 5 for his impact.
Mitchell Robinson: 10 PTS (5/7 FG), 2 AST, 10 REB, 1 BLK in 35 mins
Mitchell Robinson helped the Knicks pick up their early lead. While Jalen Brunson shook off his rust, Robinson seemed to grab every offensive rebound. Brunson drew a crowd, and Robinson cleaned up after him. Mitch even turned a quick board into a no-look dime to Immanuel Quickley for three points.
Robinson’s double-double is impressive enough, but his defense against Deandre Ayton goes beyond the box score. Ayton scored almost exclusively on jumpers, most with Robinson contesting well. The Suns are a strong rebounding team, but their starters only mustered 2 rebounds on the night.
Mitch flashed more comfort with the ball in his hands. He took a few dribbles, including a between-the-legs move that drew a reaction from the crowd. He’s improving at turning offensive rebounds into open looks for shooters around the arc. Robinson is a dominant anchor of New York’s elite defense and picks up a 4 out of 5 for another great night.
The Knicks’ second unit hangs on without a big scorer
Miles McBride: 3 PTS (1/2 FG, 1/2 3PT), 1 TO in 18 mins
I’ll admit that I breathed a sigh of relief when Miles McBride knocked down an early three-point attempt. His defensive play earns minutes, but I was beginning to worry after his brutal shooting against Houston.
Evan Fournier: 5 PTS (2/6 FG, 1/4 3PT), 1 AST, 5 REB, 1 TO in 14 mins
After spending so much time out of the rotation, Evan Fournier’s effort deserves a shout-out. Fournier grabbed 5 rebounds; his lone turnover came from pressing to make contact on a screen. Fournier’s defense is easier to hide in short minutes.
The French wing might earn more opportunities by knocking down his jumpers. He only made 1 of 4 from deep, but his second field goal came on a nice spin move into a midrange shot. Fournier didn’t overdo anything and worked his tail off in limited minutes. That’s enough for a 2 out of 5 impact grade in his brief time.
Jericho Sims: 2 PTS (1/1 FG), 1 AST, 1 REB in 9 mins
I’m frustrated at Jericho Sims’ limited minutes, although I understand the lack of playing time. Sims and Hartenstein can only share the floor for so long before spacing falls apart. But that means we’re only getting enough time to marvel at Sims’ athleticism once or twice a night, and his future potential is left to our imaginations.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 3 PTS (1/1 FG, 1/2 FT), 2 AST, 1 REB in 12 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein’s most memorable moment of the night came on a dime to Jericho Sims. Hart caught the ball on a cut to the basket and quickly found Sims in the dunker’s spot. He wasn’t awful, but the rest of Hart’s short night was pretty nondescript.
The most Tom Thibodeau-esque victory you could ask for
Nothing screams, “Tom Thibodeau was here,” like New York leading by 20 points or more for almost the entire second half but still playing the starters for most of the action. The second unit let the lead slip to 19, and Thibodeau didn’t have it. The starters came back in, and Thibs didn’t bring a clean-up crew in until the final minute of action.
Thibs’ propensity for playing his starters excessive minutes is a quirk we can laugh at now. But it’s also an approach that could bite the team if fatigue sets in later. I’m not concerned about it yet, because reinforcements will arrive soon in the form of RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin.
The other aspect of a Thibodeau win is lockdown defense. New York held a potent Phoenix offense to just 83 points for the game. This team plays best when its defense leads, producing stops and transition opportunities. Thibs gets a 3.5 out of 5 for never allowing the Knicks to let up.
Closing Thoughts
The Knicks’ roller coaster season continues. First, they followed an eight-game winning streak with a five-game losing streak, and now they’ve won two in a row with a great chance to add to this streak. But it’s worth noting that most of their recent losses came with two of their top three scorers injured. In addition, they haven’t had a backup power forward for weeks. I’d sign up for a 10-5 record over fifteen games any time, let alone under these circumstances.
My point is that stability might already be here if not for a few untimely injuries. Tom Thibodeau has tapped into a formula that shuts down opponents while Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson’s all-star pushes carry the offense. Role players stepped up in the absence of leaders, with Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes flashing potential beyond our expectations. I can’t wait to see this team in full health.
New York gets a chance to avenge a pair of bad losses next. The San Antonio Spurs visit first, and then the Knicks travel to Toronto. Those are a pair of reeling teams that just happened to beat New York during the last slip-up. I’m expecting inspired performances and a new winning streak to discuss here. I’ll see you next time, 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 Knicks Weekly, where CP and Alex go through the good, the bad, and the ugly from the week that was!
