The MSG defeat against the Lakers on Saturday evening did not leave traces in the ranks of the Knicks, if not the OG Anunoby package. Faced with Rockets deprived of Fred Vanvleet, Jabari Smith Jr and Alperen Sengun, the men of Tom Thibodeau ended up finding the resources to win 124-118 after an epic duel between Jalen Bruson and Jalen Green In the final, from which the former resident of Villanova came out of the winner.
Everything seemed badly embarked, especially following the successful departure of the Texans, who raced in the first quarter before spending a 9-0 fed by the quartet of Lieutenants Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams to attack the second in the best way (25-36).
Houston counted up to 12 points ahead (32-44), before starting to feel the breath of the Knicks and Mikal Bridges in particular. The latter has chained 8 points, including two 3-point arrows to put his own back. Jalen Brunson took over before the break with a 2+1 then a last basket before the break, just to maintain the pressure on the Rockets at the break (52-57).
New York was far from being drawn from the way. Despite Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart's shots to make the Knicks go back to the front (72-69), Houston finished stronger, passing a 16-4 to finish the third quarter. Beyond the two 3-point baskets each of Cam Whitmore and Aaron Holiday, we will especially remember the huge Dunk of Amen Thompson with the fault of a precious Achiuwa as a bonus (78-89).
The big number of the kning of the Knicks
But in the last act, the Knicks were able to find the resources necessary to return and tear off the victory. Karl-Anthony Towns showed the way by scoring three times, including a 3-point, before passing the relay to Mikal Bridges, then Josh Hart and finally Deuce McBride to continue to grab the gap (100-103). Aaron Holiday, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson delayed the deadline, but, carried by his audience, NYC ended in cannonball.
The revolt of “Big Apple” has a name: Jalen Brunson, author of 17 points in the last six minutes of the match! True to himself, the leader did not drop anything multiplying the “clutch” baskets to tip the meeting, even if it is on a 2+1 of Kat that the locals took over the lead (109-108).
But what about the suite? Despite large defensive pressures, he found the solution each time, ending in the circle, halfway, and even 3-point to end up making the Rockets bend (118-114). Even when Tom Thibodeau has lost crucial possession on a “challenge” that did not succeed, Jalen Brunson did not dismantle and managed to chew the ball in Amen Thompson on the following action to finally ensure on a 4 /4 at Launch-Franc synonymous with victory for the Knicks (124-118).
What to remember
– Jalen Brunson's finale. What an end to the patient's patient match of the KNICKS! Faced with a very aggressive defense and after a complicated performance against the Lakers, he has always been on the razor thread but practically managed to get out each time, apart from a return to the zone that Tom Thibodeau tried to hide. Near the circle, on Floaters from nowhere, on its 3-point that changed everything and of course during his 4/4 at the throw, Jalen Brunson was exceptional. Author of 17 of his 42 points in the last six minutes of the match, it is also the first time in career that he has finished a match at 40 points and more and 10 assists.
– Amen Thompson made Mecca vibrate. Amen Thompson, here is a player like Tom Thibodeau and the New York public must enjoy them. Always thoroughly, aggressive on both sides of the prosecution, the twin of Ausar was brilliant, ending with a new triple-double at 25 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, his third in career and his second in less than ten days . We will notably remember his showtime sequence in the face of a confused Precious Achiuwa. Note that it was he who lost a precious ball in the “money-time” in front of the active hands of Jalen Brunson. Enough to be even more appreciated by New York fans!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N75GGOIHBQ
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How to read the stats? Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; O = offensive rebound; D = defensive rebound; T = total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; +/- = Differential points when the player is on the field; Pts = points; EVAL: evaluation of the player calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
