Youth took over the Knicks

With Julius Randle out and Jalen Brunson injured, the Knicks finished the game against the Kings with five exclusively made up of players 24 and under.

Among them, two “sophomores”, Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride, and despite this inexperience, the New Yorkers were able to repel the Kings’ attack to win 112-99. For the third time in four games, New York held an opponent under 100 points, and it was the 4th straight victory.

“The defense is in place,” said RJ Barrett, moving to the 4 position after the ejection of Julius Randle. “We’re giving it our all and making the effort… We’re getting the rebounds (55 takes to 41)… Not sector specific, but a lot of different things are coming together. »

Targeting opposing shooters

Although RJ Barrett made sure that there is no specific sector, it must be recognized that the high defense of the Knicks causes problems for his opponents.

The tenure of Quentin Grimes changed the situation, and in the last four games, New York’s opponents shot 22% from 3-pointers. In one week, with four different opponents, it was a real trend.

This awkwardness from a distance makes it possible to have rebounds, often long, and quickly launch the game. This brings a lot of youth, as well as Julius Randle, more comfortable when he can make the combination of power and speed speak.

“I feel, we combine well in attack and defense” testifies Quentin Grimes, who reports that the environment is good. “There was a lot of energy and laughter in the locker room. »

Tom Thibodeau’s confidence

The bet of a short rotation is working (for now) for Tom Thibodeau, and even with the Brunson-Randle duo on the sidelines, the dynamic remains the same. “The energy, the communication… Everything seems to be on the same wavelength” continued Mitchell Robinson, who anchored the center of the painting. His duet with Isaiah Hartenstein brings stability for 48 minutes even though they are completely different, and their profiles allow Tom Thibodeau to adapt.

“Congratulations to the Knicks” acknowledges Mike Brown, the Kings coach. “They kicked us. We had no answer for Julius, and he did what he wanted with us. We didn’t do anything good. Brunson played well. Also RJ. Mitchell Robinson was terrible at rebounding…”

“Tonight, more guys raised their game, and they played important minutes. good to see” RJ Barrett is credited, while Quentin Grimes puts it down to the confidence his coach gave him. “It proves that Thibs has confidence in us, the fact of putting all the young people to finish the meeting. »