For the second time in three seasons, the Knicks will be in the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Winners tonight on their Madison Square Garden floor of the B team of Wizardsdeprived of their three best players, Tom Thibodeau’s men have officially validated their ticket to the Top 6.
We could even say in the Top 5, since the club of new York, with just three games remaining on its schedule, sits fifth in the Eastern Conference with three more wins than their sixth-place neighbors the Nets. A ranking that would be synonymous with an enticing first round against Cleveland.
Regarding the match, the victory was acquired in two stages by the Knicks. First in slow motion in the first half, particularly in defense, the residents of “MSG” then stepped on the accelerator on their return from the locker room by inflicting a 65-48 on their opponents over the last two quarters. time, under the impetus in particular of a super trio Jalen Brunson – Immanuel Quickley – Quentin Grimes.
The penultimate week of the regular season is therefore punctuated in the best possible way for “Thibs” and his men, who are now crying serenely to prepare for the “post-season”, and probably the Cavaliers.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Top 6 assured for New York. Mission accomplished for the formation of the “Big Apple”: the playoffs are guaranteed even before the end of the regular season. The reward of a good exercise for the band of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, however badly started but saved in December by a change of rotation of Tom Thibodeau. After an eight-year drought between 2013 and 2021, the Knicks will play in April for the second time in the last three seasons.
– Limited but eye-catching Wizards. If we especially remember the good news for the Knicks, let’s not forget to give credit to their opponents, who have tried everything to prevent this good news from materializing. In vain, because the lack of resources caused by the absences of Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis was too difficult to fill, particularly at the end of the match, but the troop of Wes Unseld Jr. made New York sweat for three quarters. time, taking advantage in particular of the defensive nonchalance of his opponents in the first half to prolong the suspense. Even though their season is most likely over by next week, the Wizards are going to give it their all until the last game. To give playing time to their young people in particular, such as Corey Kispert and Johnny Davis, good tonight.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Knicks guards. Indeed, Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes have accumulated 76 of their team’s 118 points, clearly appearing as the spearheads of the attack, without Julius Randle (sprain) or RJ Barrett (sick). And while the two leaders are metronomes this season, we particularly remember the very successful outing of Quentin Grimes, author of one of his cleanest career games with 27 points at 6/11 behind the arc. Not always constant this season, the young starting back of the Knicks finishes very strong since he has been in great shape for ten days, particularly with regard to the outside address (29/58 over his last six games, or 50% ). Very good omen for the playoffs.
✅ Obi Toppin. Holder on position 4 to replace Julius Randle, the usual lining also offered a good match with his 21 points (9/15), 4 assists and 2 interceptions. Less gifted than the n°30 ball in hand and therefore less strong in the one-on-one, he brings on the other hand more “off-ball” movement than the one he replaces in the major five, and this opens up even more the game for Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley on the pick-and-roll. In a different style, the New York native is therefore precious.
✅ Corey Kispert. Sacred match of the Washington shooter, who took advantage of the many absences in the five major to take more responsibility in attack and plant 29 points (10/19, 4/11 behind the arc). We have seen him put the ball on the ground and attack the circle, a fact rare enough to be underlined knowing that in the “normal” system of the Wizards, he is mainly confined to “catch-and-shoot”. If Washington’s starting trio are put in the fridge for the remaining four games on Washington’s schedule, the Gonzaga alum will be the clear winner of this pick, with the field clear to end the season with the green light.
⛔️✅ Deni Avdija. Tough evening for the Israeli winger, who spoiled his good intentions and his consistent contribution (9 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals) by 8 ball losses (!) and an average defense.
THE FOLLOWING
– Knicks (46-33): trip to the Pacers, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday (01:00).
– Wizards (34-44): reception of the Bucks, on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday (01:00).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
