The New York Knicks turned second-half clamps into their seventh straight win, beating the Charlotte Hornets 109 to 97.
The teams got into a shootout in the first half, with Charlotte hitting a barrage of threes while the Knicks did all they could just to keep up. The second half was markedly different, as New York held the Hornets to 16 in the third quarter and just 15 in the fourth. Charlotte was a scrappy but under-manned team, and the Knicks proved to be too much to keep up with.
RJ Barrett played the part of a second-half hero, picking up for a slight dip in performance from Julius Randle. Derrick Rose was brilliant with help from Immanuel Quickley and Taj Gibson. Other players didn’t hit their peak performance but contributed exactly what their roles require. The Knicks are the hottest team in basketball. They sport the highest net rating in the league. They’re chasing a legitimate claim to a home-court advantage. Let’s look at how they got this win over Charlotte.
Knicks starters don’t stop shooting until hot hands emerge
Elfrid Payton: Elfrid Payton made it three rough games in a row. The Hornets forced New York into a perimeter-oriented game that doesn’t gel with Elf’s approach. To Payton’s credit, he shot the wide-open threes given to him and converted his first look. He played a solid first half of basketball, not doing too much and finding a few spots to create offense. But his impact declined as the game wore on, and a couple of blunders saw his night cut short.
Payton played 18 minutes and put up 7 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 1 turnover. He shot 3/8 from the field and 1/3 from three. His numbers aren’t egregiously bad, but he struggled to get the looks that he typically converts. Elf made back-to-back mistakes in the third quarter that got him benched the rest of the way. He looked off a wide-open RJ Barrett to take and miss a contested fast-break lay-up. Then he forced a drive on the next possession and picked up a charging violation. Tom Thibodeau had seen enough. Thibodeau went with hot hands off the bench from midway through the third quarter.
I’m disappointed. I felt like Payton was finding a nice rhythm a few games back. He wasn’t pressing for offense but sneaking his numbers up with clever rebounding and a slight uptick in playmaking. That’s faded as teams have forced him to the perimeter more and more. The starting point guard finally seemed to lose patience and press. That only meant bad possessions and a trip to the bench. Elf gets a 1.5 out of 5 for his impact on the night.
Reggie Bullock: Reggie Bullock feasted on Charlotte’s defensive approach. The Hornets didn’t give much to slashers, but that created space for shooters to launch frequent three-pointers. The game started with 4 different Knicks hitting a three, but Reggie was the one who kept knocking them down. Bully wasn’t just shooting either. He picked up assists by feeding other shooters and working that give-and-go game that he’s perfected this season.
Bully shot 5/12, all from three, in a 38-minute stint. He cashed in 1/1 from the free-throw line as well. He accumulated 16 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 1 turnover through the course of the action. Bullock’s best moments may have been brief spells of stifling defense on the Martin twins. On offense, a lot came down to patience. If Reggie got to the right spot, he could expect the extra pass. Players actively sought him out when Charlotte collapsed inside or closed on shooters.
The second half of the season has been nothing short of a revelation for Reggie Bullock. His shot has become consistent, and he’s seeking it more aggressively than we saw in his first season and a half with New York. Bully’s defensive play has always been quality, but a consistent three-point threat has bumped his impact nightly. His gravity creates space for ball-handlers or an outlet for easy assists if the defense slacks. Bullock gets a 3 out of 5 for his impact.
RJ Barrett: RJ Barrett turned a poor first half into an absolute eruption in the third quarter. He hit his first shot of the game, then proceeded to brick and clank every look for the first two quarters. RJ wasn’t taking bad shots. He couldn’t buy a basket. The sophomore never looked discouraged, though. He came out in the third quarter with renewed confidence and proceeded to knock down jumper after jumper until the game’s close. He didn’t only hit catch and shoot threes. Barrett hit midrange shots off the dribble frequently.
Broadway Barrett shot a red hot 8/17 from the field, 6/11 from three, and 2/2 from the free-throw line. He dropped 24 points, 1 rebound, 1 block, and 2 turnovers. This is the second time inside of two weeks that Barrett knocks down 6 three-pointers. If there’s a complaint to be had, it’s that he didn’t do much else other than score. But that’s a nitpick because RJ’s scoring proved crucial; it got the Knicks a comfortable lead that they held the rest of the way.
RJ’s growth as a shooter is incredible. He was a rookie that no one trusted even to make a free throw. Within less than a year, he has completely remade his shot, and now teams have to respect him out to the three-point line. Consistency isn’t always there, but with Barrett’s work ethic and mentality, that’s a matter of when rather than if. This Charlotte game showed the developing jumper off and spoke to his mentality. He could have folded after a bad half but instead stepped up in a huge way. Barrett’s impact warrants a 3.5 out of 5.
Julius Randle: I mentioned that Julius Randle’s play slipped a bit above. That doesn’t mean that he had a bad game. Randle faced tough, in-your-face defense throughout the night. Defenders were constantly cheating off their assignments to dig or challenge Randle inside. The Hornets gave him no easy looks. That additional attention did translate to three-point explosions from teammates. Randle did his part by making some beautiful passes that weaved through out-of-position defenders. The Knicks’ star was still a star even his scoring came back to Earth.
Randle put up 16 points,10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers in 40 minutes of action. He shot 5/16 from the field, 1/6 from three, and 5/6 from the line. He never found a comfortable rhythm to work, which is a credit to the Hornets defense. I could dock him some for letting Washington and McDaniels get off, but I don’t think anyone would have guessed that Washington would hit so many threes. Randle had a good game, just not up to par with his peak “player of the week” levels.
The big trend to watch with Randle is how he handles his gravity. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks talking about how the big man deals with double-teams. He’ll drive into a double-team and create more trouble than it’s worth at times. But for the past two games, we’re seeing him make the passes that split second sooner. He’s also making the right passes to the right players. That means whipping a cross-court pass to RJ Barrett’s hot hands instead of Payton in the corner sometimes. It’s another development for the Allstar to be proud of…assuming it sticks. Randle’s impact grade is a 3.5 out of 5, easily a 4 if a couple of those threes convert.
Nerlens Noel: Nerlens Noel continued his improved rebounding and erased another dunk attempt. Someone tries Noel at least once per game, and that player almost always gets sent to the shadow realm. The shot blocker’s rim protection is contagious too. Julius Randle had the audacity to deny Miles Bridges at the rim but get called for a foul. It reflects the “nothing at the rim” attitude we see pervade everything that Noel does.
Noel spent 27 minutes adding 4 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. He was 2/2 from the field, nothing forced and no gaudy numbers. His presence inside felt especially clear against the diminutive Hornets frontcourt. The big man only tallied 2 offensive boards, but I think he was responsible for a few that teammates grabbed. Noel also flashed on multiple possessions for transition defense. He was behind those plays but poked the ball loose as a trailer. His one steal came that way, and he stopped two more fast breaks the exact same way.
The numbers never really blow you away with Nerlens Noel. He’s a perfect example of the eye test being crucial. I’ve seen games where Noel blocks 5 shots but gives up too many second-chance points to deserve props. Then he’s turned around with nights like Charlotte. He barely shot, didn’t register any crazy numbers, and still managed to have an incredible impact on the game. Noel grabs a 3 out of 5 for impact and might be playing his best ball of the season right now…it’s the rebounding that’s making the difference.
Another gem from D-Rose spells the second unit
Derrick Rose: Derrick Rose has been borderline spectacular for the past few games. He scored almost as soon as he hit the court and continued to knock down his looks throughout the action. Rose’s playmaking seems to be taking a step forward now. He has a fantastic feel for the game that shows more and more as he gets comfortable with teammates’ habits. That second unit is in constant flux, but the former MVP has his reliable targets. Add his assists to timely buckets and highlight-reel drives; now you have a recipe for something special.
D-Rose put up 17 points and 5 assists on 8/12 from the field and 1/4 from three. I’m surprised he never visited the free-throw line in his 25 minutes of work. Rose may not have shot a great clip from three, but he knocked down some midrange pull-ups at the top of the key. He attacked the defense at all three levels, and the attention he drew helped spark a hot hand in his backcourt partner. While RJ starred for the second half, IQ in the first, Rose was a steady hand throughout the game.
Derrick Rose has an argument for the acquisition of the season. James Harden to Brooklyn seems like the no-brainer but consider their respective prices. Harden cost 2 young players, 3 firsts, and 4 swaps. New York got Rose for DSJ and a second-rounder. Rose’s impact goes well beyond his numbers; you’ll catch players praising his leadership in postgame interviews often. This performance showed every quality that we love about the former MVP. Even when he was attacking, Rose found ways to make the game easier for teammates and hot hands. He gets my game ball thanks to consistency throughout the 48. Rose grabs a 4 out of 5 for impact.
Immanuel Quickley: Immanuel Quickley didn’t play in the first or third quarters. But he only needed the second quarter to put a stamp on this one. IQ got on the floor, hit a three and some free throws…then absolutely blacked out. He put up 17 points in the second quarter but still had the wherewithal to make extra passes when they were available. The rookie had a beautiful drive for an and-one as well, knocking down a lay-up despite being knocked to the ground…a lay-up, not a floater.
IQ played for 20 minutes, tallying 17 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, and 2 turnovers. He shot 5/9 from the field, 4/7 from three, and 3/3 from the line. The rookie played at almost a point-per-minute pace which makes up for the low production elsewhere. He telegraphed swing pass for a turnover, which I only point out because it’s such a rarity. I’m tempted to look back and see how many multiple turnover games IQ has. It must be incredibly low considering his minutes load.
Quickley was really good in this game. He got a brief run at the point in the fourth quarter while both Payton and Rose sat. That’s a crucial contribution for nights when Payton struggles because it can help rest D-Rose’s legs. The offensive punch that Quickley provided was enough to keep the Hornets from getting off to a big lead when their shooters couldn’t miss. He held things down while Randle and Barrett got loosened up. Immanuel Quickley grabs a 3 out of 5 for his performance.
Kevin Knox: Kevin Knox got minutes in both halves but still played a short time. He rocked for 7 minutes. If teams are going to push the Knicks outside, Thibs seems willing to tap Kev. The issue in this one was defense. Knox was late on rotations, had miscommunications, and just generally looked out of sync with his teammates. It’s why his night got cut short despite two separate opportunities against an opponent that left shooters open the entire game. He’ll have to do better with these opportunities.
Taj Gibson: There is no better tone-setter on the Knicks than Taj Gibson. The aging vet comes into games and makes his presence felt with the same energy you expect from a hungry rookie. Taj had a night like Noel’s, nothing gaudy but visibly impactful. With the Hornets’ smaller line-up, both Gibson and Noel helped produce several second-chance buckets that proved important. Gibson was especially an animal on the offensive glass, grabbing 6 of his 8 boards there.
Gibson rocked for 21 minutes, going 3/4 for 6 points, 8 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 1 turnover. That he didn’t pick up a single foul is awe-inspiring. This guy plays physical, he plays hard, and somehow he’s not foul prone. At one point during the broadcast, Clyde called out to watch for a screen that Gibson was about to set…True to form, Taj took a defender completely out of the play but also had me worried about an offensive foul. He didn’t get whistled for a violation; he rarely does. Taj knows this game too well.
The best part about this performance is how normal it feels. I don’t have to say too much to Knicks fans because they know exactly what to expect when Taj Gibson plays. The energy, leadership, and physicality that he injects on the floor has been a common contribution. This was a good performance, but it was also just Taj being Taj. A caller last night said to sign Taj for 30 more years because you know he’ll outwork opponents when he’s 72 years old…I believe that guy, Taj doesn’t age! Gibson grabs a 2.5 out of 5 for another quality performance.
Obi Toppin: Obi Toppin got less opportunity than Knox even. He played five minutes and had defensive woes of his own. The bright spot here was a nice post-move into a turnaround at the basket. Obi has some moves but rarely gets to show them off. We’re still waiting for a true explosion from the rook.
Time for a reality check…the Knicks are probably better than credited
Tom Thibodeau: There were some masterstrokes from the maestro to bring this game home. The Knicks had a rough first half defensively but locked in with some adjustments from Tom Thibodeau. The coach had the wherewithal to bench Elfrid Payton the second that his play threatened to stagnate good ball movement. Open looks for PJ Washington and Mile Bridges in the first half turned into contested misses in the second. Whoever had the hot hand got to stay on the court until they cooled off entirely. That proved important with Randle’s shooting struggles.
Composure is the name of the game for Thibodeau. The Hornets showed up hungry and gave their best punch in the first half. Thibs helped guide his team to a close contest and had a counterpunch ready when the third quarter started. He kept on trusting RJ despite a tough shooting half. The 20-year-old rewarded that decision. There was a feeling to this game that I haven’t had in years. It felt like the Knicks were going to take care of business no matter how well Charlotte played. The Knicks just stacked their quality play until it was an avalanche that the Hornets couldn’t avoid.
That final score might make it look like Thibodeau had it easy. It hides the 66-point first half of the Hornets. It doesn’t tell you that the Knicks had a battle for the 4-seed waiting 24 hours after tip-off. Thibs might have gotten away with better minutes management, but he did find some rest for Rose. The coach also expanded the rotation to try and squeeze minutes out of Knox. The nuances to this game were all quality. Thibodeau grabs a 3.5 out of 5 for impact on the win.
Closing Thoughts
The Knicks have won 7 straight, but now a big one approaches. Given the parity of this season and the rush of a schedule, almost every game has felt important. The Hawks are next, though, and the winner will be sitting in a position to take home-court advantage into round one of the playoffs. The 4,5 and 6 seed are separated by a half-game each, and all three teams have won 8 of their last 10 games. Every single win counts, but adding a loss to the Hawks record might be even bigger.
But does that mean a loss would be crushing? Of course not. It would be disappointing, yes, but even having a game of this magnitude in April means the Knicks have had a special season. We’re not stressing over play-in positions or draft lottery odds…we’re hyping ourselves up for a battle to take the 4th seed. Just like that Hornets performance, the Knicks have fought step by step and inch by inch to get here. It feels like teams are doing all they can just to avoid being overtaken by the avalanche.
So it’s the Hawks next, with potentially the highest high of the season coming a day after 4/20. A Garden crowd will hope to make up for some tired legs and help boost these players to 8 in a row. The best run of the season has a chance to continue, and it’s happening as the season winds down, and the playoffs loom. This home stretch has been incredible so far. I hope the Knicks are still saving the best for the end. See you after Atlanta fam!
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