Start of their “road trip” – the first of their season – was successful. At the start of a four-game series away from Madison Square Garden, the Knicks won in Miami (107-116) behind a major performance from Karl-Anthony Towns (44 points and 13 rebounds).
His big individual outing did not prevent the visitors from falling behind collectively during part of the match. Relying on Tyler Herro's equally good start to the game, the Heat took the lead after the first (32-26), then the second quarter (58-52).
These two, three or four possessions ahead in favor of the locals remained relevant during part of the third period. This was without counting on a huge run delivered by the Knicks. The latter increased their defensive intensity, preventing the slightest enemy penetration. At the same time, Jalen Brunson (18 of his 22 points in the second half) was heating up.
The quality of shots obtained by the Knicks, thanks to solid ball circulation, was much better during this terrible sequence for the Heat. Leading by 13 points in this third quarter (70-57), their biggest advantage, the locals conceded a… 30-10 to end the period (80-87).
Despite the complete change in dynamics, the match was not over. Discreet until now, like his teammate Bam Adebayo (only 16 shots attempted between them), Jimmy Butler felt that it was time to take out the warm-up blue to support shooters Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier (98 -102). But a communication error between the latter and Bam Adebayo left the field open to Josh Hart under the circle.
And the Towns-Brunson pair continued their work to give the Knicks a 10-point lead two minutes from time. Mass was said.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Karl-Anthony Towns at the top. After three matches with a modest average of 15 points, “KAT” signed a first benchmark match in his new jersey. Comfortable with his outside shot from the start, the former Wolves player mainly signed a major inside project. In the first period, he took advantage of Bam Adebayo's absence to play with his back to the basket and thus make the Heat's second pivot, Thomas Bryant, suffer. Less active during the “run” in the 3rd quarter, he responded again in the last act. For the record, this was the 4th best performance by a Knick against the Heat, behind Jamal Crawford (52 points in 2007), Carmelo Anthony (50 in 2013) and RJ Barrett (46 in 2022).
– The breakdown of the third for the Heat. Leading by 13 points eight minutes from the end of a quarter and finishing it 7 points behind is possible. The locals suffered this negative differential of 20 units in the third period of this meeting. What becomes a annoying habit for Floridians at home at the start of the season. They are now -46 when combining the third quarters of their three home games with opponents shooting at 54%, compared to… 27% for them. It's up to Erik Spoelstra to shake up his team when they go to the locker room.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
