The New-Look Knicks Are Dominating the Competition
In the month of January, teams focus more on process than results and positioning themselves for the playoffs. However, the new-look Knicks are making a statement by not only winning games but also defeating teams with impressive resumes.
Back-to-Back Victories Against Champions
The Knicks have recently demolished the reigning NBA champions and outlasted the reigning Eastern Conference champions in consecutive games.
After their crushing victory over the Nuggets, the Knicks pulled away from the Heat with a 125-109 win at a lively Garden. However, the win was marred by a concerning injury to Julius Randle.
Julius Randle’s Injury
During the fourth quarter, Randle collided with Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. while driving to the hoop. Randle hit the floor hard and remained in clear pain. He did not take his free throws and was taken to the locker room.
As his teammates closed out another win, there was no immediate update on Randle’s condition.
A Winning Streak
The Knicks have now won six straight games and 12 out of their last 14 since OG Anunoby joined the team. They have surpassed the idle Cavs to claim fourth place in the conference standings.
While they couldn’t replicate their 38-point destruction of the Nuggets, the Knicks settled for a solid victory against the team that eliminated them from the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.
The Struggling Heat
The Heat, currently on a six-game losing streak, are trying to find their way back. The addition of Anunoby to the Knicks’ lineup, alongside Jalen Brunson and Randle, has strengthened the team’s chances of success.
A Strong Finish
Although the Knicks trailed by as many as 10 points in the first quarter and didn’t take the lead until early in the second, they seized control of the game with Brunson leading a balanced attack. In the end, the Knicks maintained their momentum and secured a strong fourth quarter.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 28 points and managed to tie the game after being down by 13 points. However, Randle’s clutch 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter shifted the momentum back in favor of the Knicks.
