The New York Knicks are officially undefeated this decade. The Knicks spoiled the return of one of the teams greatest players, Carmelo Anthony, with a 117-93 victory over the Portland Trailblazers.
Anthony had his fair share of historic nights in the Garden. His amazing performance against the Boston Celtics on Christmas day. Scoring the most points in single game in Knicks history, 62, against the then Charlotte Bobcats, the list goes on. However, it was someone else’s turn to have the Garden lights all on them. Mitchell Robinson went 11-11 from the floor, tying the franchise record without a miss. He went off and shows why he is a major piece for the future.
This victory was a statement win for the Knicks coming into 2020. They’ve had their struggles to begin the season with their play, front office, coaching etc. But this win the Knicks give the fans hope that they can turn their season around.
Making the playoffs seems to still be out of reach despite only being 5 games from the 8th seed. But the team has been playing well under interim coach Mike Miller, who has more wins, 6, then former coach David Fizdale to begin this season, 4.
There’s something to be said about how the players are responding to Miller and his coaching. The team appears to be playing more like a team and utilizing the pick-and-roll, which is what they should be doing. It was clear that it worked last night as it was the Mitchell Robinson show.
It seemed like every possession was a pick-and-roll leading to a monstrous alley-oop. Not only was Robinson slamming it home but Frank Ntilikina had his moment too. He had a dunk that got the crowded into the game even more and when he shows emotion, you know things are going well.
It continues to go well for the Knicks and Julius Randle as he is finally starting to play up to his potential. He recorded back-to-back double-doubles in this 3-game win streak. Staying away from isolation basketball has bee the key to his recent progression.
The New York Knicks started off 2020 with a bang. They defeated a team that is contending for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Why they make not make the playoffs, showing progression as a team for the future may be better than a playoff berth.