The Knicks (31-16) have been probably the most irritating groups to evaluate this season. Some nights, Jalen Brunson and Co. have appeared like official title contenders. On others, they have been crushed handily by lowly groups such because the Jazz, Bulls and Hawks.
That inconsistency is why analysts alike have been unwilling to place them in the identical echelon as East powerhouses such because the Cavaliers and Celtics. However Tom Thibodeau’s group is beginning to make a believer out of its doubters. On Monday, the Knicks crushed the Grizzlies, 143-106, two nights after routing the Kings, 143-120, as a part of a four-game winning streak.
Each blowout wins got here in opposition to red-hot groups. The Kings had gained 10 of their final 13 earlier than operating into the Knicks. The Grizzlies walked into Madison Sq. Backyard on a six-game profitable streak. Remarkably, the Knicks had each video games on ice inside three quarters.
The latter win was all of the extra spectacular because the Grizzlies, the league leader in points with 123.3 per recreation, have been held to simply 106 factors by a Knicks group rating No. 14 in defense. Not like conventional Thibodeau-led groups, these Knicks have constructed their identification on their explosive offense, as evidenced by the benefit with which they scored 143 factors in back-to-back video games. Nonetheless, the Knicks are beginning to decide up the depth on the defensive finish, led by three-and-D stars Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
