Coming off an embarrassing performance against the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks returned to the win column against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday evening.
Scoring just 75 points against Boston, the Knicks had something to prove, showcasing a 111 point performance in the win, holding San Antonio to just 96. The starting team was dominant for New York, aside from Julius Randle, who finished the game with just two points but did contribute 12 rebounds.
Ever since Randle’s outburst after the team’s buzzer-beater win against Boston last Thursday, he has struggled offensively, recording 13 and then two on Monday evening. While his rebounding is as good as ever, Randle has given RJ Barrett the reigns, who converted 12 of 20 shots from the field, including 3 of 4 from deep and 31 total points.
Barrett has been on fire as of late, recording 30 points or more in two of his last four contests and finishing with double-digit points in seven consecutive games. In the month of January, RJ is averaging 20.8 points, 3.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and is shooting 43.5% from three-point range and 41.4% from the field. His extravagant shooting end confidence following his buzzer-beater shot against Boston was on full display as he utilized a myriad of moves against the Spurs.
Ranging from driving to the basket with his left hand, he also used his right hand around the rim, a smooth floater game, and shooting from deep, connecting on 75% of the 3-PT shots.
As a team, the Knicks shot 40.6% from range and 48.8% from the field, posting 40 defensive rebounds compared to San Antonio’s 30. They also recorded 23 assists compared to 19.
Altogether, it was an efficient performance from the starters, with Immanuel Quickley providing 12 off the bench and Quintin Grimes contributing seven. Barrett had the most electrifying moment of the game with a windmill dunk on a fast break, and you could feel his energy reverberating throughout MSG.