The New York Knicks seem to have saved their best for last, but where were the starters before this brief late-season resurgence?
You can either love them or hate them. The New York Knicks continue to trudge forward through the scrutiny, rumors, “in-fighting,” losing streaks, and, most recently, an out of character victory with exemplary precision and chemistry.
Despite another losing and failed season, the Knicks continue to show what could have been.
After a night with the rare spectacle of surprisingly smooth operating and precision on both sides of the ball against the Detroit Pistons, there are more than a few points worth mentioning. At first, offering nothing more than a slight glance at this game may feel like a burden, or perhaps an exercise in futility.
Fasten your seat-belts fellow fans, critics, haters, and lovers; this is an 82-game season that stops for nobody, and this is where the meat of the labor is found.
The Knicks looked to have saved their best for last and with absolute sniper precision. Each starter shot above 50% and four of five scored in the double digits.
The exception was Courtney Lee, who contributed seven points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.
Speaking of Lee, he’s been quiet in his own part, where he has performed without detriment to the team. Over the course of the season, he’s stayed afloat without deviation from his career averages.
Lee has also managed to keep his 3-point percentage (.403%) and field goal percentage (.455) impressively high, while playing his most minutes per game on average since 2009-10.
All The Big Stars Shined Bright In The Garden
The only worries felt throughout the evening was when Kristaps Porzingis took a frightening spill in the first half, nearly landing on his neck coming off of Andre Drummund from an attempted alley-oop.
This appeared to be a horrible disaster watching in real-time. Thankfully, Drummund was conscious of the 7’3 giant falling over his back and was able to help brace KP’s fall.
Carmelo Anthony, Porzingis, Derrick Rose, and Willy Hernangomez performed like a starting squad with something to prove, but where was this team when fans needed them? Unfortunately, it’s a case of too little too late. Nevertheless, it was a sight to see.
An actual feeling of chemistry was playing out on the court. Oftentimes, the ball was moving and the extra pass was made.
The sights of ‘Melo in isolation or Rose recklessly driving to the hoop overlooking his entire team would be absent on this night. Enjoyable as it was to watch, the Knicks failed to provide this to their aching fan base on a “right now, tonight, every night” basis.
Unfortunately, building the winning formula has never materialized overnight and the Knicks have only just recently come to realize the true potential of Hernangomez. But we were, at the very least, provided with a taste of what is possibly to come if everyone on the roster buys in to the system Phil Jackson is selling them.
Fluke? Or A Sign Of What’s To Come?
Carmelo Anthony (8-of-15, 21 points, five assists, three steals) was the dominant asset. More than a few of his best shots on the night came off of excellent ball movement from his fellow teammates.
His defensive prowess was a sight to be seen. He caused havoc for a Detroit Pistons team that simply could not pull the night together against the struggling Knicks.
As the Garden crowd roared with cheers and excitement and the Knicks continued play with a comfortable lead, it felt as if, for the night, not all was lost. The city was able to take in what was strictly enjoyable basketball on a Monday night, without a cringe-worthy performance or last-minute loss.
Good money still pays for those seats.
There was something that would leave fans at Madison Square Garden relieved that they could enjoy the pleasantries of what is possible when stars perform up to their expectations.
Despite A Failed Season, Team Looks To Finish Strong
Derrick Rose followed in-suit with about as great a game as you could ask for, although it’s tiring to see him hobbling at some point during games this season. Despite the risky play, hard work continues to pay dividends for Rose.
On the night, he shot 12-of-17 from the field with 27 points, six assists, and zero turnovers. That’s about all you can ask.
In any case, it’s pleasant to see a fiery end to a comeback season from Rose. Whether he’ll stay or leave in free agency remains unclear, but if Rose will return for another season, it would serve as the reminder of what could have been this season.
At last, Willy Hernangomez, the phenomenon, continues to impress fans who have decided to keep an eye on his time on the court. Adding another start, he capitalized on the opportunity once again by posting 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
He continues to be a pest, no matter the matchup he’s facing. He’s shown his adaptability by coming from the Spanish ACB league to the NBA.
He’s proving his ground with the big boys.
The Last Word
It sure can be easy to get ahead of one’s self by getting excited over an irrelevant win late in the season, but the question must be asked. If it happens once, how can New York make it happen consistently?
The Knicks should watch the reel from this win and study what they did correctly. They should then make sure it will roll over to the next season.
It may be another season with a losing record, but every game matters when it comes to evaluating the potential on the roster. It’s ultimately about making the team more competitive year to year.
The Knicks have complicated this process with inconsistent play and injuries to their stars, but have also been able to beat superior opponents.
Must Read: Who stepped up against the Detroit Pistons?
What the “winning” solution may be, is certainly anything but simple.