The New York Knicks aimed for revenge after getting blown out in the first meeting against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks had their best shooting game of season, 44.9% from the field, stats didn’t reflect how well they shot.
Coming into the game, the Knicks had a leagues worst shooting percentage. After the game, they’re now tied for the worst with 42.4%. Baby steps. The Knicks were still out shot in their 123-105 blowout win but a one shooting statistic put them over the edge.
The Knicks shot 77.1% from the free throw line as the Cavaliers shot 53.3%. The Cavaliers made 11 less free throws than the Knicks. Shooting 77.1% still isn’t the best but it helped carry the Knicks to victory. Most came from Marcus Morris as he was 12-13 from the stripe.
Also the shooting from Julius Randle who ended with 30 points on 12-17 shooting, 3-5 from beyond the arc and 7 boards propelled the team. This was his best shooting performance as a Knick. Fans will usually cringe when Randle shoots but he was in the zone last night and you can last night was different.
The rest of the team followed Randle’s lead. Even during the broadcast, Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier mentioned that the Knicks defense had some extra energy. The Knicks had 8 steals, 10 blocks and only 7 turnovers. Yes, you read that correctly, 7 turnovers.
The New York Knicks were hustling on both ends of the floor and their shooting was above-average all game despite what stats say. Clyde, again, mentioned that the Knicks couldn’t stub their toe in the 3rd quarter, like they always do. For once, they didn’t.
Their largest lead of the night was 27 points towards the end of the game and even Knicks twitter was comfortable saying the game was over. This was the first game all season that fans and actually sit back and enjoy the game without having to worry about an impending collapse. You know it’s enjoyable when you look at the stats for the starting 5 for the Knicks and all had a positive +/-.
The one Knicks player that has been playing very well for the team has been Taj Gibson. His has been bringing veteran leadership to the starting lineup while providing solid defense. Gibson has also been a beast on the offensive glass. He quietly had 6 offensive rebounds and can hit the necessary mid-range when it comes to him.
Finally, RJ Barrett had 15 points on 5-13 shooting in only 24 minutes. He had a slow start to the game but you can be sure that he’ll be able to contribute regardless. Barrett remained aggressive and didn’t give up. That’s how you know he can be special.
The Knicks now start a brutal stretch to end the month of November. They began with their rival Sixers Wednesday night. The team should be riding high after a comfortable win, lets hope they’re not poised for a huge let down game.