New York Knicks: Who stepped up in win vs Nets?

The New York Knicks went over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. Who stepped up along the way?

After three tries this season, the New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets on the road, 94-82, holding their crosstown rivals to a historically bad shooting night. The Knicks only shot 40.2 percent, as well, but it was good enough to fend off the opposition and give them their eighth win of the season.

Who stepped up for the Knicks in their first win over the Nets? Let’s take a look:

Julius Randle

Stat Line: 33 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 14-for-26 shooting, 5 3-pointers

Big nights have been rare for him this season, but Julius Randle stepped up in the Knicks’ win over the Nets, posting 33 points and eight rebounds on 14-for-26 shooting. The shot volume was high, but his output accounted for over one-third of the team’s scoring.

This game followed Randle’s 35 points against the Washington Wizards, which contributed to a loss. His past 10 games, including Thursday, have resulted in 21.9 points, 9 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 47.4 percent shooting and 36.7 percent on 3-pointers. These numbers fall closer to his numbers with the New Orleans Pelicans and what the Knicks may have expected from the start.

Marcus Morris

Stat Line: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 8-for-16 shooting, 1 3-pointer

For a player who has excelled, Marcus Morris delivered yet another strong performance, posting 22 points and eight rebounds on 8-for-16 shooting. He returned after missing the previous game with an injury.

Morris has been as consistent and steady as any Knick, with all but three of his games in double figures. His 3-point shooting remains superb, too, making 46.1 percent of them, for easily his career-high mark. It’s only on just 41.5 percent on 2-pointers.

As long as he remains in New York, Morris will be one of the team’s top contributors. It has created trade value for the player on a one-year, $15 million contract, so will he move by the trade deadline?

Mitchell Robinson

Stat Line: 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 4-for-6 shooting

After a return to foul woes, Mitchell Robinson contained the calls against him on Thursday, picking up just two fouls in 28 minutes. It was his lowest total since Dec. 13.

Along with that, Robinson picked up a double-double off the bench, including two blocks and one assist. He was the necessary defensive anchor, contributing to the Nets’ 26.9 percent shooting; they were also 13-for-50 on 3-pointers.

As long as the New York Knicks can keep Robinson on the court, they will receive big games like this. Frankly, it’s only a matter of time before he returns to the starting lineup.