Knicks Derrick Rose, Hot Shooting, 29 Assists Swamp Pistons
The New York Knicks bench turned a close game into a laugher late in the first quarter. With 3:30 remaining, the score was 20 – 18 Knicks. Brunson remained at PG as the subs for both teams began to filter in. The score didn’t change until Derrick Rose entered to lead the reserves. In the final 1:28 of the period, Derrick Rose turned the game around. An assist to Toppin, an Obi block and run out jam, an IQ block, a Rose assist to Hartenstein for a 3 and a DRose 3 ended the quarter with the Knicks up by 10, 30–20. The onslaught continued until the final buzzer.
The Knicks and Pistons starters were more evenly matched than their benches. Key rotation players Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers and Alec Burks DNP. Coach Casey had to play Kevin Knox for 11 mins. As the Knicks’ lead ballooned, it was clear that this was to be the Knicks night. NY couldn’t miss. They shot 50 of 95 for 53% from the field, including 16-38 42% from deep.
The +/- differential between the starters and the bench was a terribly lopsided +102 to +18. Four starters had a meager +6 while 4 reserves had a +99. RJ had a +12, indicating he played significant time with the subs. Collectively, the bench played only 2 more minutes than the starters.
This is the way good teams play. They take advantage at every opportunity and don’t become complacent. Unselfish teams ride the hot hands, exploit weaknesses, and continue to play hard with the lead. Keeping the pedal to the metal is easier for the minute hungry second team. Thibs did an excellent job of feeding the hungry.
See ESPN box score: https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401468178