New York Knicks: Grades and reactions from sweep of Mavericks

The New York Knicks swept their season series against the Dallas Mavericks Thursday night, winning on national television.

The New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks and Kristaps Porzingis in A+ fashion, 106-103 in front of an energized Garden crowd, who booed Kristaps Porzingis. Every time he touched the ball there were “KP sucks” chants.

The Knicks gave their hometown crowd reason to cheer and celebrate in between boos as they led the Mavericks for most of the 48 minutes.

Coach David Fizdale’s team had 27 personal fouls which resulted in 23 free points for the Mavs and fifteen turnovers could have easily lost them the game. A bright spot in the win was nine of 11 points from the free-throw line as well as RJ Barrett making both of his free throws. Needless to say, this was the best game to grade since the last time the Knicks beat the Mavs.

Julius Randle played 36 minutes, had 17 points on eight of 18 shooting, including one of five from three-point range with 10 rebounds. Again, Randle had six of the team’s 15 turnovers. As long as he’s leading his team in turnovers, he will have less than stellar grades.

Mitchell Robinson was a welcome sight on the floor tonight although he did not start. In his first game back from a concussion, Robinson scored 16 points on seven of eight shooting, giving him an 88% field goal percentage which included two of two from the free-throw line. He also contributed eight rebounds and one block. Although he fouled out with 4:38 left in the fourth, he was a big part of this win.

The last grade I thought I would be handing out tonight was an A, but Marcus Morris came through for his team when it counted and was a very big reason for the win. He led the team in scoring with 20 points on seven of 19 shooting, five of seven from outside including the game-winner with 13 seconds to play, one of one from the free-throw line, five rebounds and a big +11.

Like Mitchell Robinson, Dennis Smith Jr. did not start the game, but he played like his old self. He played 29 minutes in part due to Ntilikina’s early foul trouble, had 13 points on five of 12 shooting, two of four from three-point range, one of two free-throws. In what seemed like a welcome back game, Smith, Jr. also contributed six rebounds and eight assists. He looked good and it was great having him back on the floor.

Frank Ntilikina started as point guard this evening. In 18 minutes he had five points, including one of two from outside and five personal fouls, which are the reasons for the C grade.

As with the first win over the Mavs, Ntilikina’s defense was a large part of it. He hit two very crucial free throws in the fourth quarter. When Frank’s offense catches up to his defense, he will be an unstoppable force for his team.

Other Takeaways

• The Knicks have swept Porzingis and Doncic, 2-0 for the season in spite of their great playing. Porzingis had 20 points and Doncic had 33, but the team couldn’t pull off the win.
• RJ Barrett had another rough night with just eight points, but two of those eight points came from two of two from the free-throw line.
• Bobby Portis played 16 minutes contributing ten points, including two of three from outside and five rebounds.
• Damyean Dotson played 23 minutes, with seven points, two rebounds, three assists, and three steals. He had a +10 for the night.
• Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock did not play due to injuries.
• Allonzo Trier and Wayne Ellington did not play due to coach’s decision.
• Breaking news during the game, Carmelo Anthony has signed with the Portland Trailblazers, we wish him the best.

The New York Knicks take on the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Garden.