Knicks 118, Hornets 109 (OT): Postgame Reaction
The Knicks coughed up an 18-point lead in regulation, leading them to overtime. But a stifling performance on defense and a reinvigorated offense let the Knicks cruise to victory over the Hornets in the extra five minutes.
One paragraph to describe the game
The Knicks exploded to start this game, leading by nine at the half and stretching that lead to as much as 18 in the third quarter. But the Hornets’ Miles Bridges erupted to close the third quarter, scoring 16 in that period alone and 30 for the game to bring the Hornets back. Charlotte took its first lead in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks were able to crank their defense up when it mattered to recover from falling behind by four and do enough to at least end regulation tied. While the end of regulation was categorized by a lot of iso possessions, overtime saw the Knicks play a beautiful brand of basketball thanks to Julius Randle’s distribution, which led him to his sixth triple-double of the season. The Knicks have now drawn even with the Hawks, and are still in the mix for the No. 4 seed in the East.
Game ball
Julius Randle: 33 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds, 12-25 shooting, 4-10 from three
What more is there to say about Randle at this point? With the Knicks now set to finish anywhere from eight to 10 games over .500 and finish no lower than the sixth seed in the East after initially being pegged as a potential top lottery team, I think the Knicks’ first-year All-Star has punched his ticket to appear on an All-NBA team at this point as well. He’s also the Most Improved Player for sure, and if you consider “MVP” as “the player who has most affected the success of their team,” he has a real case to at least get a couple votes there as well. This game showed a little bit of everything from Randle, as evidenced by his sixth triple-double of the year.
Big stat
Five Knicks in double digits. Randle was the star, but this was a well-rounded effort by the Knicks. Randle, Reggie Bullock, Derrick Rose, Alec Burks, and Immanuel Quickley all scored in double digits in this game. The bench could be the most crucial element if the Knicks want to find success in the playoffs.
Unsung hero
Nerlens Noel: 8 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 steals
Other significant performances
Derrick Rose: 15 points, 3 assists
Reggie Bullock: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5-9 from three
Immanuel Quickley: 13 points, 4-8 shooting
Alec Burks: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
