Can the Knicks shut it out?
It’s the query haunting generations of Knicks followers who’ve watched leads evaporate on the Madison Sq. Backyard hardwood too many occasions earlier than.
Saturday evening, the Knicks confronted their first take a look at in what guarantees to be a grueling stretch of video games. The opponent: a scorching-hot Sacramento Kings workforce that had gained 10 of its final 12 video games underneath interim head coach Doug Christie.
For a Knicks squad that entered the evening with 29 wins, 17 of them coming in opposition to groups with shedding data, this matchup was greater than a sport — it was a proving floor. Iron sharpening iron.
And for some time, it appeared just like the Knicks had been able to make an announcement. They constructed a commanding 19-point lead with 5:29 left within the second quarter, utilizing Sacramento’s velocity in opposition to them. However simply as shortly because the lead grew, it started to dwindle: 17, 14, 12, 9. By the 21.1-second mark of the second quarter, the Knicks had been clinging to a two-point benefit.
The ghosts of Knicks groups previous loomed, threatening to derail the hassle. However these Knicks? They’re totally different.
The Knicks responded to the Kings’ surge by taking on within the second half, cruising to a dominant 143-120 victory. It was their second-highest-scoring efficiency of the season, falling simply wanting the 145 factors they dropped on Denver in November.
This wasn’t only a bounce-back sport. It was an announcement.
After a stretch the place they dropped six of 9 video games, together with 4 of six at house, the Knicks are actually driving a three-game successful streak.
Extra importantly, they’ve proven they’re greater than only a two-star present that includes Karl-Anthony Cities and Jalen Brunson, each of whom are sure for San Francisco as All-Star starters.
Cities (18 factors, 15 rebounds) performed simply 4 of the sport’s remaining 16 minutes as he continues to handle a thumb damage. Brunson delivered a stellar 25-point, 11-assist outing. However the evening belonged to the supporting solid.
Josh Hart, questionable to even play as a result of proper knee soreness, recorded a triple-double with 20 factors, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists. OG Anunoby erupted for 33 factors, and Mikal Bridges added 27 because the Knicks outpaced Sacramento’s high-octane offense.
For a workforce that’s struggled in opposition to successful opponents, this was a much-needed efficiency. But Cities, talking on Friday, emphasised {that a} workforce’s file doesn’t all the time replicate its high quality.
“It’s unfair to say just because of where teams are in the standings that they’re not quality teams,” Cities stated. “These are the best basketball players in the entire world. Every time you go out there you have to put your best foot forward.”
The Knicks actually put their greatest foot ahead in opposition to the Kings, bucking one other pattern by taking a 38-25 lead after the primary quarter. Their bench additionally made a distinction early, with Landry Shamet hitting three fast threes and the second unit contributing 20 factors, outpacing Sacramento’s key reserves.
The Kings, one of many NBA’s most fun groups, couldn’t overcome De’Aaron Fox’s off evening. Enjoying by a thumb damage sustained in his final sport, Fox shot simply 6-of-20 for 14 factors. Domantas Sabonis did his half with a triple-double (25 factors, 13 rebounds, 12 assists), and Malik Monk led the workforce with 31 factors, however it wasn’t sufficient.
Anunoby’s protection on DeMar DeRozan additionally stymied Sacramento’s offense, limiting the star to 18 factors and forcing the Kings to depend on secondary choices.
The Knicks have a possibility to increase their successful streak to 4 video games on Monday, however the street forward doesn’t get any simpler. The Memphis Grizzlies, led by All-Star guard Ja Morant, go to The Backyard subsequent, promising a high-flying spectacle.
Saturday’s win proved the Knicks are prepared to satisfy the second. However with the league’s hardest remaining schedule, the true take a look at of their mettle is simply starting.
