The New York Knicks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 123-113. The Grizzlies’ unexpected fourth-quarter comeback led to a Jalen Brunson ankle sprain.
The New York Knicks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 123 to 113 in a game that got closer than anyone expected in the fourth quarter. The Knicks got off to a quick start thanks to Jalen Brunson’s 17 first-quarter points. The run set New York up to dominate the action for most of three quarters. The Villanova crew’s chemistry carried over to the entire roster.
But the Knicks took their foot off the gas after their lead ballooned to 28 points. The Grizzlies’ sloppy play tightened up, and they began to chip away at New York’s lead by the end of the third. Memphis knocked down 9 three-pointers in the fourth quarter, fighting back and making things interesting. To make matters worse, Jalen Brunson sprained his ankle before he could lock the game down. It took late heroics from Donte DiVincenzo to keep Memphis from mounting a comeback.
This win feels bittersweet. The depleted Knicks won again, but Brunson limped to the locker room, and Josh Hart didn’t look much better. Let’s have a closer look at how a comfortable win turned into some scary situations.
New York’s starting unit looks unstoppable until Brunson goes down
Jalen Brunson: 27 PTS (11/21 FG, 1/4 3PT, 4/5 FT), 8 AST, 4 REB, 3 STL, 2 TO in 31 mins
Jalen Brunson came out of the gate on fire. He poured on 17 points in the first quarter and seemed like he could score at will. The Grizzlies tried using length, with Vince Williams as a primary defender and double-team help as needed. But Brunson dominated the match-up, scoring at will and setting up teammates just as often. Brunson’s transition passing was particularly fun to watch as he threw lead passes and lobs with ease.
Brunson lost his footing several times in the fourth, culminating in his ankle spraining. The Knicks’ leader quickly left for the locker room and didn’t return. Adding New York’s point guard to their injured list is scary, especially after seeing Memphis storm back to within four points in his absence.
This was another virtuoso performance from Brunson. Without the ankle injury, I’d probably be writing about a 30 and 10 double-double. Now we hold our breaths while we wait for injury updates, though reports mentioned the Knicks’ leader walking well after the game. Brunson gets a 4.5 out of 5 for dominating the action.
Donte DiVincenzo: 32 PTS (12/18 FG, 4/9 3PT, 4/5 FT), 5 AST, 5 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 40 mins
Donte DiVincenzo looked just as dominant as Brunson. He knocked down his jumpers as usual, but added a wide array of acrobatic finishes at the rim. DiVo beat defenders off the dribble using the threat of his jumper and some screen help. DiVincenzo used his dribble penetration to pick up kick-out assists as well.
Add “clutch” to the Big Ragu’s description. With Brunson down and Memphis within 4 points, DiVincenzo knocked down a cold-blooded three. He’d continue to make winning plays until the end, making him the main reason New York held on for the win.
I shouldn’t downplay DiVo’s impressive defensive numbers, but Memphis was incredibly sloppy with the ball. So, DiVincenzo’s defensive play was good, but not much was required. He gets a 4.5 as the 1b to Brunson’s 1a.
Josh Hart: 10 PTS (3/7 FG, 1/2 3PT, 3/4 FT), 4 AST, 10 REB, 1 TO in 37 mins
Josh Hart made it 4 consecutive games with 10 rebounds or more. Against Memphis, he added 4 dimes and a few passes up the floor that worked as hockey assists. Then Hart added a couple of coast-to-coast finishes to an already strong performance.
Hart may have been able to pour in more points. He hit a rhythm three early and cut through the Memphis defense on the break. But he’s an unselfish player who fed the fast break or made the right pass instead of being greedy.
There’s not much new to add. Josh Hart has been excellent lately. He gets a 3.5 out of 5 for his double-double.
Precious Achiuwa: 17 PTS (8/13 FG, 1/2 3PT), 3 AST, 5 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK in 40 mins
Precious Achiuwa played a necessary 40 minutes while keeping his game under control and making positive impacts. He didn’t score at will, but took advantage of any opening available. After DiVincenzo stretched a fourth-quarter lead from 4 to 7, Precious added a putback that seemed to cut any hopes of a comeback.
Achiuwa’s defensive play has been a bit of a revelation. His unique combination of strength and agility still surprises me when he blocks a big man or jumps a passing lane like a guard. Achiuwa’s man-to-man defense was fun, too, as he poked the ball loose a few times but picked up fouls in the process.
Achiuwa’s been effective while carrying big minutes. The depleted Knicks need every bit of Precious’ hustle and selfless effort. He didn’t fly off the screen against Memphis, which makes his production even more impressive. Achiuwa got all his numbers by playing the right way in a team game. He gets a 3.5 out of 5.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 17 PTS (7/8 FG, 3/4 FT), 3 AST, 8 REB, 1 STL, 3 BLK, 3 TO in 35 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein scored easily when he attacked. His best moment came with a dribble move across the paint that finished on a floater. The rest of Big Hart’s scoring came on dunks and putbacks.
Hartenstein’s defense isn’t a surprise like Precious’, but it’s just as effective, if not even more. He erased shots at the rim, sometimes without even jumping, which helped confine the Grizzlies’ success to jump shots.
Big Hart’s description is short, but only because you’ll be familiar with him by now. He scored on his touches, made some nice passes, and anchored the defense in impressive fashion. Hartenstein gets a 3.5 out of 5.
The Knicks’ second unit is stitched together
Miles McBride: 12 PTS (5/14 FG, 2/6 3PT), 3 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL in 31 mins
Deuce McBride made some important buckets. He knocked down a three in each half, and his jumper has never looked more confident. But I’m most enthusiastic about McBride’s work inside the arc. Deuce attacked the rim and finished on a pair of occasions. If he adds finishing to an already potent jumper, McBride will be an undeniably effective offensive piece.
Deuce’s chemistry with everyone else is fun to watch. He’s not the best playmaker, but he makes smart passes while cutting to valuable spots on the floor. Sometimes, players looked to find McBride when they could have been selfish.
McBride was the lone player to play extended minutes off the bench. His defense makes him an always-helpful presence, and we’re getting accustomed to his double-digit scoring nights. Deuce gets a 3 out of 5 for a strong night.
Malachi Flynn: 6 PTS (2/4 FG, 2/3 3PT), 1 AST, 1 REB, 1 TO in 12 mins
Malachi Flynn is starting to knock down his jumpers. Teams keep giving him space, so he must hit his looks to create gravity. When Flynn manages to draw defenders in, his ballhandling and passing flash in impressive ways.
But the Knicks’ second unit doesn’t have the firepower to keep Flynn on the floor long. He’s also hampered by the fact that both he and McBride are undersized. So Flynn barely cracked 10 minutes, despite playing well.
Taj Gibson: 2 PTS (0/1 FG, 0/1 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 AST, 1 REB in 13 mins
Taj Gibson put in hard work. The numbers might not reflect it, but he played hard. Even as he attacked defenders with post moves and spins, Gibson was huffing and puffing. His defense held up well enough, as well.
We’re in beggars can’t be choosers mode. Taj didn’t look like he’d found game shape, but he worked through his tired moments. That mentality has earned admiration from Knicks fans even as he gets closer to retirement.
Tom Thibodeau makes do with what he’s got
I suspect some fans might blame Tom Thibodeau for Brunson’s ankle. But look at the Memphis run after Brunson left the game, and you’ll understand why he had to go back out there. Thibodeau doesn’t have any options.
Jericho Sims joined OG, Randle, Grimes, and Mitch on the injured list. That left Thibs with a freshly added Taj as his only bench big. So, Thibodeau eked out minutes from his bench and leaned heavily on the starters. It’s the only option he can do while ensuring wins.
Closing Thoughts:
Injuries are part of the game, but this is getting ridiculous. I’d call New York cursed, but Memphis is in even worse shape. Seeing two teams with 15 DNPs combined due to injury is enough to make me second-guess all the scheduling quirks that the in-season tournament created. But that’s just my knee-jerk reaction after possibly losing our leader for a while.
The trade deadline is looming, and if the Knicks were healthy, I’d stand pat. But the injuries have forced them to seek an “innings-eater,” as Fred Katz put it. I’d much rather keep first-round picks and try to get some firesale players with Brock Aller’s collection of second-round picks. We’ll see if the asking prices for vets come down before tomorrow.
For now, the Knicks have given me confidence that they can beat any team in the league. They just have to get healthy in time to get in shape for the playoffs. The Mavericks are next, marking a tough patch of games before the All-Star break. I’m hoping a couple of guys can get back to give us a fighting chance! I’ll see you after that one, Knicks fam!
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