The Knicks higher get used to successful video games like this — particularly if physicality turns into the blueprint for opposing groups and officiating stays as lenient because it’s been.
They confronted such a problem on Sunday towards the Orlando Magic, a scrappy group decided to avenge a blowout loss at Madison Sq. Backyard practically two weeks prior. Regardless of lacking each of their high scorers — Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner — on account of indirect accidents, the Magic mucked the sport up early and sometimes.
However the Knicks absorbed each blow and repeatedly countered with their very own in a hard-fought 100-91 victory in Orlando.
Bodily play has develop into the go-to technique towards the Knicks. It labored towards them of their NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the place Atlanta’s protection—anchored by Dyson Daniels, the reigning Jap Convention Defensive Participant of the Month—stifled the Knicks’ league-best offense. Jalen Brunson, specifically, struggled, scoring simply 14 factors on 5-of-15 capturing in that sport.
On Sunday, the Magic employed the same method, led by Jalen Suggs, the previous Gonzaga standout and NFL-level athlete who signed a five-year, $180 million extension in Orlando. The physicality was obvious as Suggs relentlessly pressured Brunson from the opening tip.
In contrast to Wednesday, Brunson responded with a stellar efficiency: 31 factors on 8-of-18 capturing, 4-of-8 from three, and an aggressive 11-of-14 from the free-throw line.
“A lot of respect for them,” Brunson mentioned postgame. “Coach [Jamahl] Mosley gets them ready. They’re a physical bunch. No matter who’s out there, they’re gonna fight their ass off.”
Whereas Orlando introduced the hassle, they lacked the firepower to capitalize offensively. The Magic shot simply 9-of-30 from three as a group with out Banchero and Wagner. Suggs, specifically, struggled mightily towards Mikal Bridges, who delivered one in all his finest defensive performances of the season. Suggs completed with simply 9 factors on 4-of-19 capturing, together with 1-of-9 from past the arc.
Suggs didn’t hit his first three till there have been lower than four-and-a-half minutes left in regulation, trimming a 16-point Knicks result in 13. Moments later, whereas hounding Brunson defensively, Suggs fouled out and argued the decision on his approach to the bench.
The Knicks might solely shake their heads, bemused by the disconnect between Suggs’ aggressive play and his obvious disbelief within the foul.
Sunday’s win marked one other step ahead for the Knicks, who’ve now received 11 of their final 15 video games. After splitting their earlier 4 video games, they’ll subsequent head to Minnesota for a reunion matchup on Thursday as Karl-Anthony Cities faces his former group, alongside Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
Cities had a dominant displaying in Orlando, changing into the primary Knick coincidentally since Randle to file a 20-20 stat line, ending with 22 factors and 22 rebounds. Bridges added 17 factors on 7-of-11 capturing, whereas Josh Hart contributed throughout the board with 12 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
The Knicks now have three days to regroup earlier than the Wolves sport, and Brunson emphasised the significance of utilizing this time successfully.
“It’s very valuable,” Brunson mentioned in his walk-off interview. “It’s important for us to be in the gym, continue to understand our concepts better, make sure we’re together a little bit more, and just keep being a team. That’s what’s most important.”
The Knicks are hitting their stride, however sustaining their momentum would require mastering the sort of gritty, bodily battles they’ve more and more confronted this season. Sunday’s win confirmed they’re studying — however the street forward stays difficult.
