The Memphis Grizzlies’ rotations go 11 gamers deep.
They boast two All-Stars: electrifying guard Ja Morant and Defensive Participant of the 12 months Jaren Jackson Jr. Their reserves are stacked with dimension, with the primary 4 gamers off the bench standing 6’5” or taller. They’re bodily, fast-paced, and maintain the Western Convention’s No. 3 seed. On paper, they appeared poised to reveal the Knicks’ weaknesses on Monday evening.
“We definitely have leaned into more 10-man and 11-man rotations. We want to be the most intense-playing team, the fastest-playing team,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins mentioned forward of tipoff on Monday. “We’ve got a lot of depth on this team, and the more we can have those fresh bodies … [we can] bring different waves of guys throughout the game and still have that ability to guard on the other side.”
However basketball video games aren’t performed on paper.
Regardless of profiling as a workforce constructed to take advantage of New York’s perceived shortcomings — depth, dimension, and struggles in opposition to top-tier competitors — the Grizzlies left Madison Sq. Backyard with their tails tucked between their legs.
The Knicks obliterated Memphis 143-106, delivering their second consecutive blowout win in opposition to a Western Convention playoff contender.
The Grizzlies arrived in New York using a six-game win streak, together with back-to-back victories over the Pelicans and Jazz. They have been taking part in their third recreation in 4 nights, however that is precisely the place their 11-man rotation ought to have supplied an edge. As a substitute, the Knicks flipped the script, overwhelming Memphis in each part of the sport.
Morant, averaging about 21 factors and 8 assists this season, was held to only 10 factors on 5-of-13 capturing.
Desmond Bane, the workforce’s second-leading scorer, managed 16 factors on 6-of-14 from the sector.
By the tip of the third quarter, the Knicks had already put up 102 factors. Within the fourth, they turned the sport right into a showcase of quick breaks and highlight-reel dunks, leaving little doubt concerning the final result.
The Knicks rank as having the NBA’s sixth-slowest tempo, however you wouldn’t realize it from their latest play. They’ve now scored 140 or extra factors in back-to-back video games — first in opposition to the up-tempo Kings and now in opposition to the league-fastest Grizzlies.
“The thing is: We don’t like to play slow either,” Tom Thibodeau mentioned forward of tipoff on Monday. “If you dug into the numbers, and you look at fast break points and the things that we do, the thing is you have to attack and beat their size down the floor.
“We want to play a certain style. We’ve gotta be strong on both sides of the ball, that’s the challenge. They’re very good defensively, as well. The game tells you what to do. Just take good quality shots, that’s what you have to do to win. And understand what we have to get done defensively.”
That objective was evident on Monday.
Mikal Bridges led the cost with 28 factors on 12-of-19 capturing, utilizing his size to neutralize Morant on the defensive finish. Karl-Anthony Cities added 24 factors and 11 rebounds, whereas Jalen Brunson contributed 20 factors and 6 assists.
The Knicks’ bench additionally stepped up. Valuable Achiuwa and Miles McBride every chipped in 14 factors, Cameron Payne added 11, and Landry Shamet knocked down two key threes.
The second unit outscored Memphis’ bench 52-45, additional undercutting the Grizzlies’ supposed depth benefit.
Perhaps it’s relaxation.
The Knicks had two prolonged breaks between video games final week and can take pleasure in one other three-day reprieve after their upcoming Feb. 3-4 back-to-back in opposition to Houston and Toronto.
Or perhaps it’s development.
After dropping six of 9 video games earlier this month, New York seems to have made changes, addressing the failings that after price them winnable video games.
Regardless of the purpose, they’re not simply profitable — they’re beating the caliber of opponents which have traditionally precipitated them bother. The Grizzlies have been supposed to take advantage of New York’s lack of depth and dimension. As a substitute, it was the Knicks who dictated the phrases.
The Knicks now sit neck-and-neck with Boston for the Jap Convention’s No. 2 seed. Up subsequent, they host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, aiming to duplicate their season-high 145-point efficiency in a 27-point win over Denver in November.
For now, the Knicks are proving they’ll beat good groups — and extra importantly, that they gained’t preserve dropping the identical means. Because the season’s hardest stretch looms, that adaptability may make all of the distinction.
