Barrett, Brunson, and Randle all have huge scoring nights as the Knicks fend off the scrappy Pistons.
Photo By: Dustin Satloff (Getty Images North America)
It was a scrappy, up and down game for the Knicks tonight, who ultimately pulled out a 121-112 win over the Detroit Pistons who were without star PG Cade Cunningham. R.J. Barrett started off the night strong with 20 first half points on 7/12 shooting. Then as the game started to tighten up in the 4th quarter, Jalen Brunson came to the rescue yet again to score 11 4th quarter points and finish with 26.
The bench had a solid first half from guys like Derrick Rose and Quentin Grimes. But cooled off in the second half. Cam Reddish struggled offensively, but held Jaden Ivey to a low scoring total. As did Barrett with Saddiq Bey. The defense from top to bottom was much improved, but still needs work. But a lot more hustle was shown today against a lesser opponent.
The Positive
R.J. Barrett is back! He had a huge first half and ended the contest with 30 points on 10/17 shooting. He also had another big game defensively, recovering for his teammates and locking up his own matchup. Barrett has had somewhat of a rough season so far. Averaging career low percentages and averages in most categories. But tonight could be the start of a new R.J. Barrett this season.
And the ball movement looked like it improved a lot. It all starts with Julius Randle. Because when he's moving the ball around, the ball doesn't get stuck in one guy's hand. Barrett had the ball hopping around. Brunson always is, and had 7 assists tonight. The team ended with 23 total assists, which could still be higher. But it's a step in the right direction.
Stat of the Night - FT%
The Knicks made 27 of their 29 free throws tonight which is basically every coaches dream. Detroit didn't have the same fate, hitting 31 of their 41. Free throws are an underrated aspect of the game nowadays. With guys attacking the rim and using finesse to draw fouls, you still have to make your shots at the stripe. So for Randle to make all 5 of his, Brunson to make all 8 of his, and Barrett to go 7/8 is really encouraging. Because it'll encourage them to drive to the basket even more.
Notable Knicks Statlines
Barrett: 30pts/5reb/5ast
Randle: 21pts/8reb/5ast
Brunson: 26pts/7ast/4stl
Hartenstein: 6pts/12reb/60%fg
Toppin: 8pts/5reb
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