The New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 108 to 85. RJ Barrett continued his rising star performance en route to the big win.
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The New York Knicks led every quarter to route the Dallas Mavericks 108 to 85. The Knicks’ ball movement looked crisp from the opening tip, with a renewed effort to look for rolling options before resetting to the perimeter. Big men prospered with dunks and their gravity meant open looks for shooters. The Knicks shot 47 percent from the field, 46 percent from three, and shut down Dallas’ best players on the opposite end.
New York has had a strong run recently, but Dallas represented a big step up in competition. RJ Barrett didn’t slow down and Julius Randle had his best performance within the team concept in a while. Bench scoring was down but Nerlens Noel’s addition improved an already tough second unit’s defense. The Knicks have found their mojo at home and this was a statement win. Let’s explore the performances that helped New York to one of its best wins of the season.
Another star-worthy performance from RJ Barrett for the Knicks’ starters
Alec Burks: 10 PTS (2/9 FG, 2/3 3PT, 4/4 FT), 6 AST, 8 REB, 2 STL in 35 mins
Alec Burks continued a few trends as a starter. He contributed to the Knicks’ win across the board but shot poorly from the field. The microwave scorer is more methodic when he has to initiate the offense, which contributes to nice assist numbers but more contested shots as he attempts to break down the defense.
But as rough as 2/9 from the field looks, Burks managed 10 points by getting to the line and converting his catch-and-shoot threes. His knack for drawing whistles is always impressive. Burks also helped out on the defensive end with a pair of steals by jumping passing lanes. He anticipated kick-outs to baseline shooters and took away the option.
It’s tough to complain about Burks when the Knicks starters have started to find a rhythm with his presence. His inefficiency is problematic and the offense seems slower when he initiates, but he also allows Barrett, Randle, and Fournier to attack at their own paces. Burks is contributing enough everywhere else to keep the role as long as New York is winning. But his best performances are still coming with the second unit. Burks gets a 2.5 out of 5 for his impact.
Evan Fournier: 13 PTS (5/9 FG, 2/4 3PT, 1/2 FT), 3 AST, 5 REB in 33 mins
This was one of my favorite performances from Evan Fournier this season. It may not stack up to his high-scoring nights, but this one stood out for the rest of Fournier’s production. Fournier wasn’t just a threat to score, he continually looked inside for Mitchell Robinson. The French wing was aggressive and found his rhythm without needing as many attempts.
A couple of weeks ago, I was blasting Fournier for watching rebounds slip to opponents. He was running those boards down in this game. The offseason acquisition was active on defense, playing the passing lanes and putting together some solid rotations. On-ball defense can still be a problem at times, as he got beat off the dribble a bit. But Fournier’s effort warrants a shout-out.
Despite some up and down nights, it feels like Fournier is finding his footing on this roster. His contributions for most of this season have relied almost entirely on scoring. But on a night with other scorers exploding, Fournier looked comfortable contributing as a playmaker and a rebounder. He’s rounding out his game and beginning to find his fit within Tom Thibodeau’s system. Fournier gets a 3 out of 5 for a strong night.
RJ Barrett: 32 PTS (13/22 FG, 4/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 AST, 7 REB, 2 TO in 41 mins
RJ Barrett dominated his match-up with superstar Luka Doncic. He fed Mitchell Robinson with his first series of drives and as soon as played the pass instead of the shot, Barrett switched to finishing inside. He was spectacular on the break and just as good from three. The 21-year-old blew by Doncic and posted up Brunson. RJ scored at all three levels while delivering some clever passes along the way. He was brilliant.
But the offense was just one element of another brilliant night from Barrett. He was the primary defender on Luka Doncic, who New York held to 38 percent from the field. Barrett’s size and strength helped to make Luka fight for every point. Barrett put together a star-level performance on national television against one of the brightest young stars in the league.
This is RJ Barrett’s third 30 point performance in his past 12 games. He’s shooting 58 percent from the field in those three games and averaging 20 points on 43 percent from the field over the twelve-game span. This is the best stretch of basketball that he’s played in his career when the Knicks have needed it most. Barrett just outclassed a top-ten MVP candidate from last season, and that means 5 out of 5 for a spectacular performance.
Julius Randle: 17 PTS (6/17 FG, 1/3 3PT, 4/6 FT), 8 AST, 12 REB, 5 TO in 37 mins
Julius Randle played within the offense for most of his four quarters and reaped the benefits of that play. He started the game by passing often, but not being a passive player off the ball. He was setting screens and pointing out where players should go before he set things up. Randle took some jumpers at this point, but let the game to him. His approach helped RJ and Fournier get hot early.
By the third quarter, Dallas was more focused on Barrett than Randle. That left Randle defended in isolation for the majority of that stretch. He began to work in the post with plenty of time to produce and the results were buckets and dimes. When Barrett came out though, Randle’s windows became smaller. He tried to force some passes with turnovers and missed field goals creeping up.
That said, Randle didn’t force the issue for long. He had a rough patch late in the third but was back under control when he returned in the fourth. His performance is better than the inefficiency in the shooting or turnover rate. This is how Randle should be utilized in the offense, and if his shot falls more consistently he can get back to last year’s production. Randle picks up a 3 out of 5 for helping everyone else get going.
Mitchell Robinson: 19 PTS (9/10 FG, 1/1 FT), 10 REB, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO in 26 mins
I mentioned above that New York seemed to enter the game with a renewed focus on looking for roll men when slashing. Mitchell Robinson was the beneficiary of this simple adjustment. I’m almost positive that every one of his nine field goals were dunks. Barrett and Fournier got him going early and would continue to feed him throughout the night. Robinson has been getting good contact on his screens lately, and this game was no different. The combination of strong screening and hard rolls to the basket helped Mitch become a constant rolling threat.
Robinson was a force on the boards as well. He feasted on rebounds at both ends of the court. Dwight Powell didn’t have the strength or length to deter New York’s giant from getting position, and the Mavs didn’t have another option. Even if Mitch didn’t secure the rebound, he’d clear space for his teammates. The Knicks won the rebounding battle 54 to 39.
I almost skip past defensive accolades for Mitch, because it’s the same story nightly. He’s finally looking like he did before the foot and hand injuries last season. Robinson cleans up for perimeter defenders and has gotten much better at denying the pass inside while he deters shots at the basket. He’s rounded into form and I think that’s likely the reason that New York’s defense has taken a big step forward recently. Mitch grabs a 4 out of 5 for controlling the paint.
Defense defines New York’s second unit against Dallas
Immanuel Quickley: 2 PTS (1/7 FG, 0/2 3PT), 3 AST, 2 REB in 14 mins
Immanuel Quickley had a rare off night. The sophomore ran into foul trouble in the second quarter and could never quite shake it. The inconsistent minutes may have hurt his rhythm elsewhere because he missed some shots that he typically makes. IQ got good looks from three and on some trips inside, but he couldn’t convert.
To his credit, Quickley still looked like a quality on-ball guard. He picked up a few nice dimes and showed off a patient, elusive dribble. IQ also played quality defense for a second unit that’s loaded with defensive potential (IQ, Grimes, and Noel is a tough combo). Quickley came in below 14 minutes thanks to the foul trouble and poor shooting, but he wasn’t as bad as that might suggest.
Quentin Grimes: 9 PTS (3/6 FG, 3/6 3PT), 1 AST, 2 REB IN 19 mins
Tom Thibodeau mentioned that Quentin Grimes played unselfishly to a fault against the Spurs. The rookie wasn’t passing up any open looks against Dallas. Grimes got shots up even when defenders were closing out. I’m not sure that I’ll ever get over how consistent and clean his release is because his form is a thing of beauty while being a legitimate threat from long distance.
Grimes’ defensive efficacy was a mixed bag, but that’s what happens when you’re guarding Luka Doncic frequently. I enjoyed the fact that Grimes constantly went at Luka and made the superstar work. This is where we could see RJ Barrett’s strength helping the most. Doncic was able to bump Grimes and create space for some looks, but that’s the only real weakness we saw from New York’s rookie on defense.
New York has a rotation player in their rookie wing. Grimes is a game defender that Thibodeau already trusts to match the best perimeter players in the league. His jumper is pure as can be, and we’ve seen flashes of skills beyond a typical 3 and D player. The rookie has upside thanks to his vision and solid ball-handling behind NBA-level defense and shooting. Grimes gets a 2.5 out of 5 for leading the bench scorers while defending the Mavs best player often.
Obi Toppin: 2 PTS (1/3 FG) in 11 mins
Obi Toppin had another quiet night. He barely seemed to touch the ball in the first half and didn’t get a field goal until a dunk in the fourth. He’s not the screen man for most plays, and it seems like defenses are wise to him sneaking into the dunker’s spot. The limited minutes are probably making things tough for Toppin as well.
The former eighth pick isn’t getting enough time to make much happen. But he didn’t do anything to warrant more minutes in this one. He finished with 2 points in 11 minutes, and I’d love to see Thibs call some plays with getting Obi the ball with some momentum toward the rim. He needs opportunities.
Nerlens Noel: 4 PTS (2/4 FG, 0/1 3PT), 6 REB, 1 STL, 2 BLK in 21 mins
Nerlens Noel jumped at everything early. He would block shots and grab boards, but also fly past head fakes. It was obvious that he was eager to make an impact. The good news is that Noel’s effort was rewarded. He had a picturesque block in the first half that was indicative of the disruptive nature of his defense all game long.
Noel patrolled the paint with an extended range that even Mitchell Robinson can’t match. Robinson has size, Noel has mobility. This game displayed the values of both men’s physical advantages. Noel was able to hedge far and recover, which denied dribble penetration and forced bad kick-out passes. He didn’t own the boards quite like Mitch, but he produced a slew of turnovers.
This is probably what Leon Rose envisioned when he and Tom Thibodeau dreamed up a one-two punch of Robinson and Noel at Center. The Mavericks never caught a break or opportunity to heat up inside. Noel came off the bench and anchored a second-unit defense that looked stifling at times. He didn’t play huge minutes, but Noel gave a quality performance off the bench. He picks up a 2 out of 5, which would undoubtedly be higher with more time to produce.
McBride, Knox, and Sims:
The youngsters got the final minute of the night. It wasn’t enough time to do anything with. The highlight of garbage time wound up being a three-pointer from Frank Ntilikina for the Mavs. The Garden still loves the kid and gave him a nice cheer.
The team finally takes the shape of Tom Thibodeau’s design
Tom Thibodeau: There wasn’t a lot that Tom Thibodeau had to do to secure this win. His game plan was impeccable and the Knicks executed it to near-perfection. That’s beginning to become commonplace for Thibs’ latest roster. Defensive rotations have tightened up, players are moving more confidently, and the Knicks look more like a Thibodeau team lately. That means they’re shutting down opponents and attacking with an inside-out philosophy.
There will always be tweaks to the rotation and minutes that fans can find. Obi Toppin still isn’t getting the kind of minutes or play calls that I would prefer to see for a top-10 selection in his sophomore year. Quickley struggled from the field but had enough playmaking to warrant more time on the floor. I’m also not in love with the fact that RJ Barrett played 40 minutes in a blowout, but that one seemed more about getting the kid to another 30-point night.
This was not the rotation I expected New York to find its identity with, which is a feather in Thibodeau’s cap. His Burks experiment is somehow working, despite the new starting point guard shooting abysmally as a starter. Players have gotten healthy and learned their roles which is making the team look more dynamic without any roster changes. Thibodeau and the Knicks have had a tumultuous first half of the season, but here they are sitting at .500 and the winners of 7 of their last 10 games. Thibodeau gets a 3.5 out of 5 for leading a blowout over a playoff team that was rolling.
Closing Thoughts
For the first time since October, this feels like last year. The Knicks’ defense is holding opponents under a hundred routinely and they’ve finally established themselves on home court. Running the offense through guards’ hands with Randle attacking in a more selective manner looks like a winning formula for the offense. With 11 Eastern Conference teams over .500 and among the toughest Strengths of Schedule left, New York’s still has their work cut out for them.
This team needs to make a push to gain ground. They can’t just win the games they’re supposed to, they’ll need to beat the teams above them in the standings. But I don’t see a big gap between the team we saw last night and any of their Eastern Conference competitors. The East is stacked with talent, but the Knicks have the firepower to keep up. They’ll need RJ Barrett to continue his ascent or Julius Randle to find his efficiency for that to work, but I think both are likely to happen with the trends we’re seeing on the court.
The next one feels like a chance to kick New York’s confidence into overdrive. For as much drama as the Knicks have had, our old nemesis in the Atlanta Hawks has had the worse tailspin. The Knicks will visit a Hawks team desperate to break a three game losing streak and are on the verge of making trades to change a roster that made the Finals last season. Nothing would be sweeter than hammering a nail in that coffin, and reminding Trae Young that he “still ain’t good in Dyckman!”
Every time I feel confident, this Knicks team brings me back down to Earth. But I’m looking forward to Saturday and expecting another statement game for the Knicks. We’ll see if the Knicks can keep the hype going and discuss it after Saturday. See you then Knicks fam!
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the 2021-22 NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out the analysis and fan reactions from when the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs!
