The New York Knicks increased their defensive intensity in the second half, and RJ Barrett entered God mode in the third quarter as the boys in orange and blue extended their winning streak to seven games. There are now five games over .500. JOY!
New York played one of the worst defensive innings of the season in the first, allowing 66 points and 13 triples for the Charlotte Hornets. Their stars were wrong, especially Barrett, who shot a damn 1-8 in the first two quarters. The team was saved by debutant Immanuel Quickley, who scored 17 in the first half.
However, they were six years old and you know Tom Thibodeau was crushing them in the locker room at the break. Whatever he said worked, as the Knicks came out on top in the third quarter, turning that deficit into a nine-point lead thanks to RJ, who had 18 points in the period.
RJ shot 6-7 in the quarter, including a 4-4 blister from beyond the arc. He finished with 24 points.
The game didn’t get too close in the fourth quarter, especially thanks to a stronger defense and experienced PG veteran Derrick Rose, who had 17 points of his own, as well as some great dishes.
Seven friggin ‘games! Recapitulate to come.