The New York Knicks will be taking on the Washington Wizards on Wednesday for the second time in less than a week, as the Knicks will look to get back in the win column following a devastating loss.
The two teams previously played back on Jan. 13, a game in which the Knicks won 112-108 thanks to Jalen Brunson’s 34-point outburst. Washington was without star guard Bradley Beal in that contest.
They will now set up for a rematch that holds a little more meaning for the Knicks than some may initially think.
- Knicks players incensed over Tom Thibodeau slight in NBA player’s poll
- Studs and Duds: Knicks take a 2-0 lead over the 76ers in playoff classic
- How will Joel Embiid’s injury impact the rest of the Knicks vs. 76ers series?
The Knicks will look to rebound from brutal loss at home
On Monday, New York played a thriller against the Toronto Raptors, one in which that went to overtime and saw RJ Barrett score 32 points and erupt the Madison Square Garden crowd with a ferocious dunk at the end of regulation to tie the game.
Unfortunately, those late-game heroics were not enough to secure a win, and the Knicks now find themselves having to overcome yet another heartbreaking loss that occurred on their home floor.
The Knicks must clean up their misfortunes at home. They are the only team above .500 on the season that currently has a losing record at home (11-12). The Wizards come into this game 7-16 on the road, which is the ninth worst mark in the NBA this season. Washington has also lost six of their last 10 games away from their home floor.
Therefore, this game points in large favor to the Knicks, even in spite of the home losing record. They must take advantage of playing against a struggling team who may not have their superstar (Beal is questionable with a hamstring injury) while also being at home.
The man the Knicks will need to contain better is Kyle Kuzma, who torched them for 40 points in their matchup last Friday. Holding him to a quiet game, and especially a quiet fourth quarter, could put the Knicks at a greater advantage and possibly lead to a much easier victory.
Kuzma had some very kind words to share about Knicks’ point guard Jalen Brunson after their matchup last week.
“Jalen Brunson. I mean, he just took over the game. He’s an All-Star this year. He’s been playing phenomenal basketball…You can just tell from the team last year to this year, they have more poise and patience, and they look for him. And he delivered tonight.”
Kyle Kuzma on Jalen Brunson via New York Basketball
Looking at injuries for the Knicks, everybody is healthy. It is all hands on deck for what is sneakily an important game for New York.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @DylanBacker_