The Knicks were surprised at Kristaps Porzingis’ band house

Under the impetus of Kristaps Porzingis, author of 8 entry points for his return to Madison Square Garden, Washington started the match perfectly with 19-5. The Wizards are on fire with 3-pointers (6/9), a wild victory in which the Knicks can’t answer (28-13). Washington ended a controlled first quarter with a 13-point lead (35-22).

New York started the second quarter well to get back to within 7 points (35-28). But Washington’s external address is still good, allowing players from the capital to widen the gap again (43-28). Julius Randle (2/9 shooting) was not on his game but thanks to 16 points from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks reduced the gap to eight points at halftime (56-48).

Returning from the locker room, Washington hit the accelerator again to take a 17-point lead (70-53). On the other hand, New York was clumsy in shooting and couldn’t keep up. But Jalen Brunson was very ugly, his 32 points after three quarters allowed the Knicks to limit the damage by returning to ten points from the Wizards (88-78).

With a room on fire, New York clawed back to get back to within seven. But the excellent Kyle Kuzma stepped on the accelerator again to give the Wizards a 15-point lead (103-88). This time, the Knicks could not recover, and the Wizards needed 116-105 at Madison Square Garden.

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

– The Wizards’ 3-point address. The capital players were very good from 3-pointers in the beginning of the match, and that allowed them to take control. Even then, they were not very successful (38% in the entire match), they more than led the Knicks in this sector since Jalen Brunson and his teammates finished with a disappointing 27% of 3-point success .

– The return of Bradley Beal. He scored the first basket for the Wizards, and they never let the game go. For his big comeback, the All-Star guard has been sober. His playing time was limited but he still played 29 minutes.

– Jalen Brunson on his journey. Even though the Knicks lost, Jalen Brunson continued to show his best basketball. He signed his 8th straight game with 25 points or more, a streak that allows him to rank 3rd among the leaders in Knicks history, surpassing Walt Frazier (7). The record 12 consecutive games was accomplished by Dick Barnett in 1965.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ Kristaps Porzingis. A solid game with a double-double to his credit but also a proper exterior success: 22 points on 4/9 from 3-pointers as well as 11 rebounds.

✅ Kyle Kuzma. Author of a complete game, he was the MVP of the game with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists.

Jalen Brunson. In great form, he finished with 32 points from 2/3 to 3-pointers.

⛔️ Julius Randle. Despite his double-double, he was clumsy throughout the match: 6/17 shooting including 0/5 from 3-pointers.

THE FOLLOWING

Knicks (25-21): Travel to the Hawks overnight from Friday to Saturday (1:30).

Wizards (19-26): Magic reception in the evening from Saturday to Sunday (1H).