New York Knicks: Grades and reactions from an emotional win

The New York Knicks went over Kristaps Porzingis’ Dallas Mavericks on the road, finding their second win of the season.

The New York Knicks, in a much-awaited game against Kristaps Porzingis and the Dallas Mavericks, defeated them, 106-102.

It was all about change. The first alteration was that the Knicks playing without Mitchell Robinson, who was put on concussion protocol after receiving a blow to the temple in the previous game. It was proven in that game that he was desperately needed under the boards.

The Knicks did not look as though they had any idea of losing this game. Which was the second change: confidence.

Coach David Fizdale’s team came in and went to work right away. They led at the end of every quarter, with their largest lead being 12 late in the third. That doesn’t mean that this game was not hard-fought, as the Knicks played a great, steady 48 minutes.

Julius Randle delivered for his team, with 21 points on seven of 16 shooting, including two from downtown. He also contributed eight rebounds.

Randle received a B- grade because unfortunately, he is still slippery under the boards and amassed another four turnovers.

Marcus Morris, Sr. was team leader,  scoring his season-high 29 points. Fizdale had looked for that veteran presence who would lead on the floor, and he received that in Morris, who led the team in scoring from the field and outside, with 4 of 8 on three-pointers. He attacked the boards on both ends of the floor coming up with the team’s high nine rebounds.

This was such a great relief to see after that emotional breakdown in Detroit, where a frustrated technical did not help his team at all.

Frank Ntilikina is coming into his own. The 21-year-old point guard is showing the growth of his confidence with each game. He had 14 points on five of 12 shooting, including 4 of 5 from three-point range. Along with six rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks, it was a successful night for the third-year man.

The grade does not tell the whole story. Gibson has not played in many games this season, so it was surprising to hear that Fizdale started him at center. Gibson contributed 12 points, on five of six shooting, including 2 of 4 from the free-throw line and eight rebounds.

Needless to say, the Knicks’ rookie did not have a great, or even good game Friday night. Barrett played 34 minutes, had only three points, on one of nine shooting and one of six from the free-throw line. These missed attempts will continue to be a hindrance to this team.

Other takeaways

• Coach Fizdale used a nine-man rotation this evening. In that rotation, he inserted Allonzo Trier and Damyean Dotson. Trier played 16 minutes, had four points, one of three from the field, two of two from the free-throw line, two rebounds, and one steal. He ended up with a plus-four for the night.
• Kevin Knox was very quiet tonight, playing just 14 minutes, he had 6 points on two three-pointers made.
• Dotson played six minutes and had three points on a shot from outside.
• Elfrid Payton did not play due to his hamstring injury. Dennis Smith, Jr. re-joined the team but did not play due to coach’s decision. Wayne Ellington, Ignas Brazdeikis also did not play due to coach’s decision. Reggie Bullock is still out due to the death of a close family member.
• This was indeed a surprising game. I thought that the Mavericks would run over the beleaguered Knicks after the two 20-point-plus losses coming into this game. It was great to see the team bounce back.
• Kristaps Porzingis had 28 points, nine rebounds but fouled out late in the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic had 38 points, 12 rebounds and eight turnovers.

The New York Knicks return home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Nov. 10.