Dylan Backer
The New York Knicks got back in the win column in a big way on Wednesday, dominating the depleted Memphis Grizzlies behind an offensive onslaught. They scored 79 first half points and 48 in the first quarter (tied a franchise record), en route to a 130-point night, all without their leader and captain, Jalen Brunson.
Knicks dominate on offense without Jalen Brunson
Jose Alvarado got the start in Brunson’s place, his second start since joining the Knicks. Alvarado made a solid impact in the starting role, going for 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the floor along with four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.
Notably, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby both chipped in big time performances in Brunson’s absence. Bridges scored 20 or more points for the first time since March 1 with 24 on the night, and Anunoby scored a team-high 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
Karl-Anthony Towns was used a focal point of the offense, and he recorded his second triple-double as a Knick with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Towns had been notably less involved in recent games, so him having a big performance is huge for the team.
The Knicks are looking to turn the tide
The Knicks are trying to right the ship and get on the right track with the playoffs coming up. New York had lost their previous three games before Wednesday, and Josh Hart had stressed that the game against Memphis was a “must win”, to which they delivered a wire-to-wire win against a bad Grizzlies team.
New York has five games remaining, four of which are teams currently positioned to make at least the play-in tournament. They still have a lot to prove as they gear up for a big run through the playoffs, but this win against Memphis is an encouraging sign about Brunson’s supporting cast.
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