Kevin Durant Criticizes Quentin Grimes’ Performance in Knicks’ Victory Over Suns

Following Phoenix’s 139-122 defeat to the Knicks, Kevin Durant expressed his frustrations by criticizing Quentin Grimes’ performance. Durant’s rant came in response to a question about stopping 3-point shooters and Jalen Brunson. He mentioned Grimes’ deficiencies, including his inability to dribble, lack of free throws, and assists. Despite Durant’s comments, Grimes finished the game with nine points in 15 minutes, shooting 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Grimes has primarily been a spot-up shooter this season, averaging 1.2 assists and only five free-throw attempts. However, he recently expressed frustration with his role and was moved from the starting lineup to the second unit. Since then, Grimes has seen more opportunities with the ball and has averaged 10.8 points on eight attempts with 1.3 assists over the four games as a bench player.

The Suns have been struggling this season, with the loss to the Knicks being their fourth in five games. Durant’s criticism of Grimes may have added to the narrative surrounding his game. Despite the defeat, Durant credited the Knicks’ shooting and aggressive play as the reasons for their victory.

Tom Thibodeau’s Center Rotation Without Mitchell Robinson

With Mitchell Robinson out due to ankle surgery, Tom Thibodeau has established a clear center rotation for the Knicks. Jericho Sims starts, Isaiah Hartenstein receives the bulk of the minutes, and Taj Gibson serves as the insurance policy. In the recent victory against the Suns, Hartenstein played for 31 minutes, Sims for 17 minutes, and Gibson made his season debut with a minute of garbage time.

Hartenstein’s three blocks in the game were a season high. Thibodeau acknowledged that Robinson’s strong performance had impacted Hartenstein’s playing time in the past. Robinson will be re-evaluated in 8-to-10 weeks following his surgery. Despite Sims’ impact on the team’s analytics when he starts, Thibodeau prioritizes the team’s overall record and impact on every lineup.

Heading into their game against the Clippers, the Knicks had a record of 11-8 with Sims as the starter since last season. Thibodeau emphasized that winning is the most important thing for the team.