After a slow start coming out of the All-Star break, the Knicks have won two out of their last three games and have taken back fourth place from the Magic after a dominant victory over Orlando. Still, without the contributions of OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks have managed to stay afloat as the three get closer to returning.
Knicks' Defense Steps Up
Defensively, New York had taken a step back once Anunoby went down a few weeks ago. However, in the two Knicks victories over the past three games, the defense has been the focal point of each win.
Against the Cavaliers, Jalen Brunson suffered an ankle injury in the first minute of the game and did not return. Deuce McBride played the remaining 47 minutes, and New York still came out on top by a score of 107-98.
For Cleveland, not a single starter scored 20 points. Josh Hart absolutely stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 19 rebounds, ten assists, two blocks, and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo led the way in scoring with 28 points on 11-of-22 shooting and chipped in two steals. Precious Achiuwa contributed on the defensive end with three blocks and two steals.
Overall, it was one of the most impressive Knick wins of the season. Already without Anunoby, Randle, and Robinson, combined with Brunson going out in only one minute, New York managed a win against the second-seeded Cavs. Even though the Cavs were missing Donovan Mitchell, holding that team to 98 points while missing your top two offensive options was necessary to win this game.
Missing Brunson again, the Knicks fell to the Hawks 116-100. In their next game against the new fourth-seeded Magic, Brunson and New York proved more than ready for the challenge. In one of the best defensive showings of the year, the Knicks won 98-74 to reclaim fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic were held entirely in check, shooting 34 percent from the field and 23 percent from three. Achiuwa had another impressive night with 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and two steals. His defense in their past two victories has been tremendous, as he has truly solidified himself as a valuable rotation piece even when the team is at full strength.
In Brunson's return from injury, he scored a team-high 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from three. He also only had to play 29 minutes this game, as the Knicks got ahead early and held on throughout. Hart also chipped in a nice offensive performance, with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, seven rebounds, and four assists.
New York now holds a half-game lead over Orlando for the fourth seed in the East with 19 games remaining in the regular season. Next up for the Knicks are two straight games against the 76ers, who are also right in the mix for the fourth seed, as they are currently two games behind the Knicks in the standings.
Injury Updates
Of course, Anunoby, Randle, and Robinson remain out without a set return date, but progress is being made for each. Anunoby appears to be closest to returning, as he is now participating in full-contact five-on-five practice.
Randle is a bit behind Anunoby as he has only participated in light contact practice to this point, but there is no reason to think he will not be back before the end of the regular season. For Robinson, there is optimism that he can return sometime in April, just before the end of the regular season.
- Remarkable Game 2 Win Give Knicks 2-0 Series Lead - April 25, 2024
- Knicks start playoff march with first round matchup against 76ers - April 18, 2024
- Knicks lose Julius Randle for remainder of season as playoffs approach - April 6, 2024
