New York Knicks: Trey Burke stuns Celtics to continue red-hot run
Behind Trey Burke’s latest dazzling performance, the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics on the road.
Six consecutive losses plagued the New York Knicks entering Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics. On the second half of a back-to-back, and at the Eastern Conference runner-up’s house, it didn’t seem like a recipe for success.
Through this two-week stretch, however, the Knicks received a revitalized Trey Burke.
The season opened well for Burke, who became the starting point guard. That disappeared when head coach David Fizdale began his frequent lineup changes and pushed the sixth-year pro to the bench.
Once Emmanuel Mudiay returned from injury, it pushed Burke from backup to “DNP-Coach’s Decision” three times in a four-game stretch. He briefly broke this when the Knicks needed help in their Nov. 11 loss to the Orlando Magic.
Since Burke’s return to the lineup, though, on Nov. 16, it’s difficult to see how he ever lost playing time.
With games of 24, 31 and 19 points, Burke played like he did after last season’s G-League call-up. The Knicks were still on the wrong end of the box score, but they had another perimeter presence to supplement Tim Hardaway Jr., who needs 20-to-30 points per game for this team to stay competitive.
Well, on a somewhat off night for Hardaway (8-for-19 shooting and seven turnovers), New York found Burke, again, for offensive help. This time, he delivered 29 points and 11 assists and successfully closed this game with a clutch three-pointer — something the Knicks have struggled with in the season’s first month. It sealed a 117-109 win at the TD Garden.
Burke has provided consistent instant offense off the bench and dished unlike anything he did this season. Mudiay may be the team’s best passer, but that wasn’t the case for one night.
The 24-point game was against the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Knicks will host them on Friday, Nov. 23.
Outside of Burke, there were other notes and observations from this game:
- Mitchell Robinson may not start for now, but his activity and energy off the bench is apparent. He bolts around the court, altering and blocking shots, which he tallied six of. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Fizdale reinsert the rookie center into the starting lineup soon, but it may take controlling the fouls. (Robinson averages 2.8 fouls in 18.2 minutes per game.)
- A second consecutive start for Mario Hezonja started well, making a three-pointer. After that, he took four more outside shots and missed them all. Fizdale removed him in the first quarter, gave him another short stretch and that was it.
- Removing Hezonja from the rotation for Damyean Dotson seems realistic by Friday.
- Enes Kanter delivered 10 points and 10 rebounds for his latest double-double. His minutes continue to waver by the game, however.
- Another double-double for Noah Vonleh, as well. He had 16 points, 10 rebounds and two three-pointers. It became the first time he hit two or more three-pointers in back-to-back games this season.
- 2018-19 Jayson Tatum looks nothing like 2018-19 Jayson Tatum. Questionable shot selection and inconsistent defense were his downfalls against the Knicks.
The New York Knicks will return on Friday, Nov. 23 against the Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. ET. It’s a one-game homestand before they hit the road for a trio to close the month.