The New York Knicks showcased their resilience and defensive grit Sunday night, storming back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 110-93. With Madison Square Garden celebrating the 80th birthday of franchise legend Clyde Frazier, the Knicks put on a performance that embodied his defensive tenacity and playmaking brilliance.
The Wings Take Flight
The absence of Jalen Brunson, sidelined for the 12th consecutive game due to a sprained ankle, has left a massive void in the Knicks’ offensive orchestration. However, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges stepped up in a big way, reinforcing why the team has managed to stay afloat despite missing its All-Star point guard.
Bridges erupted in the second half, scoring 21 of his 28 points after halftime. He shot an efficient 12-for-22 from the field, demonstrating an increased scoring load that has become a trend in Brunson’s absence. Similarly, Anunoby matched Bridges’ 28 points and continued his offensive surge, marking his sixth straight game with at least 23 points.
Anunoby attributed his recent scoring explosion to a combination of “more opportunity” and “being more aggressive.”
“I think [aggressiveness] is the biggest thing,” added Josh Hart, who once again flirted with a triple-double by contributing 14 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. “Obviously, he has the capability. He’s using his frame and gets to the basket. Using that physicality to finish or get to the line. So especially with guys injured, we need guys to be aggressive.”
Overcoming an Off Night from Towns
The dynamic duo of Anunoby and Bridges compensated for an unusually quiet night from Karl-Anthony Towns, who struggled to find his rhythm. Towns finished with 10 points on just 4-for-13 shooting. Even though his offensive impact was muted, the Knicks found ways to rally behind their wing play and defensive fortitude.
Anunoby and Bridges weren’t just contributors on offense; their defensive energy was crucial in shutting down Portland’s momentum. The Knicks forced 10 steals, with Hart and Anunoby accounting for three each, leading to 15 points off turnovers. The defensive presence of Mitchell Robinson also played a key role in shifting the game’s momentum, reinforcing why the Knicks have improved significantly on that end of the floor in recent weeks.
Knicks’ Defense Fuels Their Success
The Knicks’ defensive prowess has been their foundation, particularly in Brunson’s absence. The team has now held seven of its last 12 opponents to 107 points or fewer, a testament to their improved discipline and physicality.
Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the impact of Mitchell Robinson, who recently returned from ankle surgery. “I think overall the physicality is a lot better,” Thibodeau noted. “And guys understand what we’re trying to do. Having Mitch is a big factor in that. I thought Mitch’s defense was a huge factor in the third quarter. The ball pressure, the rim protection—when you have somebody like that out there, then everybody gets more aggressive. OG and Mikal are playing at a very, very high level. And Josh did all the things he normally does.”
A Rocky Start and a Powerful Finish
Despite the final score suggesting a dominant Knicks victory, the game didn’t start in their favor. After leading by 10 points with about five minutes left in the second quarter, the Knicks let Portland surge ahead with a 20-3 run. The Blazers took an eight-point lead into halftime, extending their advantage to 14 early in the third quarter.
However, the Knicks quickly responded with a game-altering 22-7 run, flipping the script and reclaiming control. Their suffocating defense stifled Portland’s young and developing roster, which is likely headed back to the draft lottery.
The Knicks had to manage without a traditional point guard, as not only was Brunson out, but so were Miles McBride and Cam Payne. Delon Wright stepped into the role, logging 35 minutes and contributing seven points. Though his offensive output was limited, Thibodeau praised his defensive instincts.
“That’s his gift,” Thibodeau said of Wright. “He understands how to play defense, how to disrupt the opponent’s flow, and he did a great job of that tonight.” Rookie Tyler Kolek also saw time as a backup point guard, though he went scoreless in his 14 minutes on the floor.
Knicks’ Playoff Picture Looks Bright
With the victory, the Knicks improved to 47-27 and have officially clinched a playoff spot. They are on track to secure the third seed in the Eastern Conference, a significant achievement considering their recent injury woes. Their 7-5 record without Brunson is a testament to their depth and adaptability.
As Brunson revealed before the game, he has resumed “basketball activities,” signaling a potential return before the playoffs. His comeback will undoubtedly elevate the Knicks’ ceiling, but their ability to win without him underscores the team’s balance and defensive identity.
Towns summed up the team’s approach best: “We stepped our defense up, got stops, and converted those stops into points. I’ve said it before—Knicks basketball is at our best when we get turnovers and convert those to points, so we did a good job of that.”
With a stifling defense, improved offensive chemistry, and the imminent return of their star point guard, the Knicks are looking like a formidable force heading into the postseason. The road ahead won’t be easy, but as Sunday’s game proved, this team thrives on adversity and rises to the challenge when it matters most.
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