Knicks Take Down Kings, Win Fourth Straight
Photo via Daily Knicks
The Knicks have won their fourth straight game with a 112-99 win vs. the Kings at MSG. The win brings the Knicks to 14-13 on the season, tied with the 76ers for the five seed in the East.
After a 10-13 start to the season with many blown leads, it looked like the Knicks were heading toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but they have won their last four in commanding fashion.
The Kings are no pushover this year, sitting at 14-11, but they came into this game without star point guard DeAaron Fox. The Knicks got out to a hot start led by Julius Randle, as they took a 16-point lead into halftime, with Randle having 27 points. This was the most points Randle has scored in a half in his career. However, early into the second half, Randle was furious about two separate non-calls and earned two technicals, ending his night early.
Later in the third quarter, starting point guard Jalen Brunson exited after an awkward fall on his ankle and did not return to the game. Luckily, an already shorthanded Knicks team without Obi Toppin and two of their best players did not phase the Knicks.
RJ Barrett led the way, with young guards Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride, and Quentin Grimes getting heavy minutes down the stretch. Barrett had a great game as he was tasked to run the offense once Randle and Brunson exited.
He finished with 27 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks. The performance was by far Barrett’s best all-around performance this season in what has been a disappointing season for the former top-three pick out of Duke.
While the Knicks have shortened their rotation significantly, with Derrick Rose, Evan Fournier, and Cam Reddish seemingly out completely and looking to be traded, the Knicks have found great contributions from their young guards. Grimes played 42 minutes tonight, and McBride ran the point after Brunson exited.
Looking ahead, the Knicks have three straight road games this week, two against the Bulls, before playing the Pacers in Indiana next Sunday. While Obi Toppin remains out with injury and other players not in the rotation, this next stretch of the season will be crucial to the young players' development as they continue to battle through a crowded playoff race in the Eastern Conference.
