Knicks Defense Digs in to Defeat Nuggets
The unimaginable occurred in Denver last night, Julius Randle led the Knicks defense in clawing out a win. Yes, the Nuggets were without league MVP Nikola Jokic and starting PF Aaron Gordon. In any event, the victory was less important than the way the team, especially Julius Randle, played.
These were no longer the Knicks who scored 135 points and lost by 10. The Knicks aggressive play was the reason they won. On offense, New York went to the hole more often and received some ‘benefit of the doubt’ calls. The Nuggets were 17-20, the Knicks 24 – 31. Denver was more efficient, New York more aggressive.
The stats that demonstrate the grit it took the Knicks to pull out this win were mainly defensive stats. Each team had 5 blocks, but the Knicks had 12 steals and forced 15 TOs, the Nuggets had 3 steals and forced 7 TOs. Cam Reddish led the Knicks with 37 min. and a +/- of +13 while scoring a very efficient 10 pts. on 3 -5, 0 – 1, 4 – 5. IQ, who had a quiet offensive game and single digit rebounds was second with a +/- of +11.
The night belonged to Julius Randle. He was the Knicks offense as well as the defensive leader in this game. Jules grabbed 11 boards and scored 34 points on 11 – 21, 3 – 10, 9 – 13. Fans can almost take these offensive stats for granted. Randle is a double double machine. It was his effort and effectiveness on D that was eye-popping. Jules hounded the Nuggets, Jamal Murray in particular, and kept his man under control. Julius certainly has the athleticism to guard 1 through 5, with the exception of water bugs like Trae Young. Perhaps we will get to see Randle go head to head with Luka on Dec. 3rd.
If this is the Julius Randle that the NY Knicks will get moving forward, it will be a true paradigm shift. A starting line up of the New Jules, the New Cam, Mitch or Sims, Quentin Grimes and the new (to us) Jalen Brunson, will be a team worth watching. The matadors will be banished to the bench. The IQ/DRose combo has been excellent in reserve. No, RJ Barrett has not been forgotten. RJ will fit nicely on the second unit. The change will be a wake up call to share the ball and concentrate on defense. It is difficult to understand why Barrett is leading the Knicks in minutes His +/- is second worst among rotation players with a -3.3 to Fournier’s -4.1 Whether RJ Barrett has reached his ceiling or is merely in an extended funk, a reduced role and playing time are warranted.