Julius Randle and the Knicks surged for a blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans 128-106 and the Knicks come ever so closer to the fifth spot in the eastern conference.
Josh Hart continues to impress since coming over from the TrailBlazers. He’s been a huge spark off the bench and has already played himself into Tom Thibodeau’s closing rotation in clutch time. Alongside Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Julius Randle; and Mitchell Robinson. He can be a huge part of this team come playoff time.
Analyzing Playoff Race
If the Knicks win today, and the Nets lose tomorrow, the Knicks will be within striking distance of the #5 spot in the East. That begs the question for the Knicks, would they rather end up as the #6 seed and potentially play the 76ers, or would they prefer ending as the #5 seed and playing the Cavaliers. If i’m Tom Thibodeau I’d really like my chances against Cleveland. The Knicks have played the Cavs close this season and though it would be awful to play a former coveted player in Donovan Mitchell, simply because of how much he’s elevated the Cavs to a serious contender, I think the Knicks match up very well with them especially because of the defensive versatility of Quentin Grimes.
Mitchell Robinson is back, and have the Knicks longed to here it. Robinson, is one of the best rebounders in the NBA. Especially on the offensive boards generating 2nd chances for the Knicks, adding him back to a Knicks team that has been playing some very good basketball lately can make the Knicks very dangerous come playoff time.
RJ Barrett found some consistency tonight, shooting 8-13 for 25 points. Barrett also recorded a season high of assists tonight with 7. The Return of Mitchell Robinson also benefits Barrett to a huge degree. Connecting with Robinson on lob plays could be a piece of the Barrett puzzle the Knicks have been missing. Even if Barrett is struggling shooting, playmaking can be something he can become more consistent with with Robinson’s return.
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