Knicks 105, Trail Blazers 93: Putting the “dog” in dog days
The Knicks opened a four-game Western swing with a win in Portland
Is this what Neo felt like in The Matrix? Boy does it feel like the Knicks dodged a bullet. After a slow start, New York escaped Portland with a 105-93 victory and, if the postgame quotes hold up against the scrutiny of time, hope that OG Anunoby’s obvious elbow discomfort throughout the game — the elbow that kept him out for over a month — wasn’t serious. As far as the win, who helped the Knicks the most? And what will matter going forward? Let’s dive in.
Josh Hart continues his excellent play
You didn’t even have to watch this game to appreciate how great Josh Hart was. The unrivaled Mike Breen sang Hart’s praises for most of the night, and deservedly so. Hart was everywhere, on both ends of the court (again) — 15 more rebounds for the 6-foot-4 guard, and the truth is that doesn’t come close to approximating his impact. He moved the ball, he disrupted passing lanes, he pushed the pace when the opportunities arose.
After a porous first half of the season, Hart has been absolutely everything to this Knicks team as they’ve navigated an abundance of injuries, not only vacuuming minutes but doing so effectively: over his last 11 games, Hart is averaging just under 43 minutes per contest, as well as nearly 16 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. It’s reasonable to say he was the best player in this game, which may seem absurd given Jalen Brunson’s output (more on that later) and even Deandre Ayton’s (31 points and 14 rebounds). But Hart continues to do what he does best: bring positive energy, aim it at the opponent and turn the dial as high as it can go.
Deuce McBride separates
When the Knicks traded Quentin Grimes for Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanović, there was tempered concern that Tom Thibodeau would oust the developing McBride from the rotation in favor of two safer, older options. Knicks fans know about Thibodeau’s affinity for Burks, but Bogdanović’s shooting and size make him a natural fit off the bench.
But McBride has seen his minutes increase since the trade, with last night the second straight game that Thibodeau chose to stick with McBride next to Brunson instead of Burks. McBride’s expanded role is partially the result of some brutal struggles from the Piston Pals, neither of whom looks to have much chance of impacting a game positively. It also represents an evolution from Thibodeau, who it seems is no longer determined to plug each player into a single role. If McBride can do multiple things well, who’s to say other players on roster can’t do the same?
This may seem inconsequential, but it actually matters quite a bit. When the playoffs roll around, doing one thing will not be enough. Very few teams are good enough to win one way. Diversifying the roles of the players in the rotation gives the Knicks the most possible different looks. For a team built on depth, the ability to counter opponent counters could end up making or breaking their postseason run. Playoff games are won at the margins — who knows which minute detail could be the one that puts them over the top? Thibodeau’s willingness to even try is a much-needed breath of fresh air as the season heads into its final month.
The quietest 45 of all from Jalen Brunson
Did I mention Brunson scored 45? Have I even said his name yet? Brunson, who battled Blazer defenders up and down the court all night (he attempted 17 free throws), had to work for every point he recorded. While it ultimately took him 44 possessions, he finished with 45 much-needed points. Without Julius Randle, the offense is going to continue to over-rely on Brunson.
Is it possible he’s become taken for granted? Not just by Knicks fans, but the masses? Many look at Brunson and see him for what he isn’t; maybe it’s time we just appreciate him for what he is — one of the most talented humans with a basketball in his hands to ever live.
He can get to any spot on the floor, almost regardless of how the opponent defends him, is an elite shotmaker (over 40% from deep) and can score from all three levels. While his passing isn’t overly flashy, when Brunson is at his best he takes what the defense gives him after creating advantages for his team. Defensively he is even more imperfect, but not uncaring; apathy is rarely his sin.
Which is why, as Brunson zigged and zagged his way through a defense looking to bully him, I couldn’t help but be grateful that he is our guy leading the Knicks into the playoffs once again. There is a certain calmness that surrounds the team when Brunson is at the wheel. He gets another chance to prove it Saturday night when the Knicks take on the scorching hot Sacramento Kings in another playoff tuneup. Here's hoping that the best Brunson will be there — and that he’ll be joined by any version of Anunoby.
