NY Knicks: Ranking each game of the 9 game winning streak
By James Ryder
#5: NY Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets – 109-97 – April 20th
I had actually written about why I believed the 7th game versus Charlotte was the best win of the streak. To an extent, I still believe that to be true.
Against the Hornets, the Knicks battled hard in the first half. The Hornets, and in particular PJ Washington, couldn’t miss a shot. New York gave up 66 points in the first two quarters, which has been unheard of for the team’s defense this season.
None of this fazed the Knicks, though. The team came out and destroyed the Hornets in the second half. Tom Thibodeau’s defense went nuclear, allowing just 16 and 15 in the 3rd and 4th quarters, respectfully. RJ Barrett stepped up the most by having his way with Charlotte. RJ erupted for 18 of his 24 points in the third quarter, shooting 6 of 7 from the floor and 4 of 4 from deep.
While there were other more entertaining games during this streak, this game likely only pales in importance to the Atlanta game in terms of playoff implications. The Knicks didn’t just show that they can properly handle a team they may see in the playoffs, they proved they can take over a game by flipping a switch. They shut down a team that started hot while continuing to shoot well themselves. In the end, they cruised to the finish by having complete control of the pace and flow of the game, and that’s how playoff basketball is won.
Player of the game: RJ Barrett – 24 points (18 in 3Q), 8-17 FG, 6-11 3P