The Knicks were in control for most of this game, maintaining a cushion of about 8 points. Atlanta gave the New Yorkers a scare in the closing minutes. Clint Capela missed a couple of put backs and no one could hit the big shot for the Hawks. Saddiq Bey, .400 last year, and Bogdan Bogdanovich career .361, two of Atlanta’s best long range bombers, remained on the bench in crunch time. Bey is also an excellent defender. A well timed three could have turned this into a win for the home team.
Julius Randle continues to be a primary distributor. His nine assists left him one short of a triple double. Unlike the Celtic game, Jules had 3 TOs to go with his 12 boards and 17 points.
Second, with 6 assists , was RJ Barrett. He had an excellent game, scoring 26 points on 60% shooting from both inside and outside the arc. RJ had three TOs, but had only one FGA blocked. Barrett was active on D but not as visible as he was in the Boston game. Giving up 120 points when Trae Young goes 4 – 16 is disappointing.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points on 8 – 12 (68%) from deep, 3 – 9 from inside the arc. His 5 assists was disappointing, but his wingmen took up the slack for this game. Although Jalen is very effective off the bounce, he uses his handle to score rather than attack, draw a double and then dish. The team ranked 28th in assists last year. This is one area where Jalen can improve and lift the team, as well.
Mitchell Robinson was a monster with 13 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 steals in 37 minutes of play with only one personal foul. He and Quentin Grimes are a very important to Knicks success. Just as derrick Whites dogged D disrupted Brunson’s offense, so Grimes’ D hampered Trae Young. Taking away a team’s first option throws off their offensive rhythm.
As for offensive rhythm, Obi Toppins Indiana Pacers scored 146 points yesterday. Obi starts at PF for the frenetic Pacers.
Looking forward to tonight’s matchup wit the New Orleans Pelicans, facing a quality PF like Zion Williamson is an excellent test for Jules Randle’s