It wasn’t pretty, but the Knicks managed to pull through against the Hornets and improve their record to 3-1 on the season, winning three in a row following their opening day loss to the Grizzlies.
Despite not facing very tough competition, this is still a very impressive start to the season. Hopefully, the Knicks can keep the momentum up as the season goes on in order to secure a playoff spot.
The next game for the Knicks is Friday, Oct. 28th against the Milwaukee Bucks. This will be a real test for the Knicks, as through their first three games, the Bucks have looked absolutely unstoppable.
3 takeaways from the Knicks’ crazy overtime win over Hornets
3: Julius Randle and RJ Barrett must be better in clutch time
I figured I should get the only negative takeaway done first, so here we go.
While both Julius Randle and RJ Barrett played quite solid this game, they really struggled down the stretch, shooting a combined 3-for-8 in the final five minutes of regulation and overtime. Despite this, Randle did hit a clutch shot with 19 seconds left on the clock, and Barrett closed the game out with his free throws.
Regardless, these two are supposed to lead this team alongside Jalen Brunson. If not for Brunson’s late-game heroics, the result would have likely been different.
Both Barrett and Randle, especially Barrett, have made plenty of clutch plays in the past, so I’m not very worried about it. However, this was a Hornets team without LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier, so there was no reason for this game to go into overtime.
It has been a bit of a slow start to the season from Barrett. However, we know how he tends to play at the beginning of the season, so there are not many reasons to worry.
As for Julius Randle, this is the best he’s looked since his All-NBA season. If he can keep this up, he will likely win back the hearts of any Knicks fan who previously doubted him. I know I may have had my criticisms of Randle in the past, but I have always wanted nothing but the best for him. If he manages to turn things around this season, it would be fantastic for this Knicks squad that desperately needs him at his best.
2: Mitchell Robinson was a menace on the defensive end
Some fans were critical of the Knicks’ decision to sign Mitchell Robinson to a four-year, $60 million deal this offseason. However, throughout the first three games, Robinson has looked absolutely elite on defense, making things difficult for any player who crosses his path.
This game was no different, as in addition to scoring nine points and bringing down eight rebounds, Robinson also added a ridiculous six blocks.
Robinson has always been known for his blocks, however, there have been plenty of times where when Robinson isn’t getting a block, he tends to struggle defensively. This was not a factor in this game, as even when Robinson wasn’t swatting shots away, he made it almost impossible to score.
Arguably, Robinson’s best play was on the last possession of regulation. After Gordon Hayward drove past his defender, he went up on Robinson and regretted it. After a fantastic contest, Hayward’s layup smoked the backboard and didn’t even hit the rim.
The Knicks have always needed Robinson to be consistent on the defensive side of the ball, and through three games, he has been. I have nothing but praise for Robinson and his play so far. Us fans can only hope this level of play keeps up, as we know how valuable he is to this team.
1: Jalen Brunson is that guy, pal
After three solid games to start the season, Brunson finally looked like the guy the Knicks spent roughly $25 million on per year in this game. He racked up 27 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds while shooting 10-for-15 from the field and 2-for-5 from three.
Brunson was undoubtedly the reason the Knicks won this game. Outside of what Brunson did all game, he was New York’s best player in clutch time and kept the team in the game.
This was a true offensive masterclass from Brunson. He not only put up a career-high in assists and shut down the people who have doubted his abilities in that area, but he also showcased leadership down the stretch that the Knicks have not seen from a point guard in a very long time.
We knew Brunson would be very good for the Knicks, that’s just the kind of player he is. However, if he can make a star-level leap, I feel like we can almost guarantee a playoff spot for New York.
Regardless, the team needs this level of play out of Brunson, as on nights like tonight when Randle and Barrett weren’t consistently hitting, they needed someone to back them up, which is exactly what Brunson did.
Jalen Brunson’s significant impact with Knicks is being felt on and off court
After the Knicks' win on Friday over the Pistons, leading scorer Immanuel Quickley talked about Jalen Brunson's impact on the team.