To snatch this 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, Jalen Brunson played like an MVP in March and April, collecting a Player of the Month trophy, then a 4th Player Of The Week trophy to end the regular season. And then, last night, the machine stalled: 8 out of 26 on shots, 5 lost balls.
Their clumsy leader, the Knicks looked for solutions to push back the Sixers, and the second knives let go. There is the inevitable Josh Hart whose hairstyle set the tone: braids that draw the Knicks logo. With four 3-point baskets, he signed his best performance of the season in the exercise, and his aggressiveness, but also his defense, made it possible to collect valuable points.
We will remember this prize-winning basket with one minute to go, legs apart. This shot stunned the Sixers and capsized Madison Square Garden. Upon arrival, 22 points and 13 rebounds for the international winger.
Hart of New York
“It’s really encouraging even if we can’t wait until we’re 10 points behind to start playing.” replies Josh Hart about the Knicks' mixed night. “All season, Jalen has carried us on his shoulders, and when he is in difficulty, that's when we have to react. When your number 1 weapon doesn't play well, or rather doesn't shoot well, because I didn't want to say that he played badly, we need the guys to take over, and that's what we did . »
There is also Mitchell Robinson who snatches 7 offensive rebounds. The Knicks pivot had not played as much since December 1, and he brought 8 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic contributes 13 points including the equalizing basket at 82-82. And then, of course, there is Miles McBride, who scores 21 points for a monstrous +/-: + 37! “Deuce” hurt a lot after Joel Embiid’s injury exit.
“Their game plan was probably to prevent Jalen from receiving the ball. If they opt for this strategy, we must be able to make them pay” replies Miles McBride.
Brunson thanks his teammates
It is the role of a replacement to respond when called upon. It's thankless, and at the Knicks, the rotation is very short. You never know if Tom Thibodeau will give you a chance.
“A match lasts 48 minutes” recalls the New York coach. “We started the match slowly, but everything changed when the bench came on. We need everyone. Tonight, it was the bench. You have to know how to win matches in different ways. »
Winning matches with a clumsy Jalen Brunson is ultimately “encouraging” as Josh Hart explains, and the leader thanks his teammates for saving his evening. “The replacements were phenomenal from start to finish” he insists. “Every time they came on, they were decisive. Bravo to them for their preparation. »
