Tom Thibodeau’s group was massacred Friday night by Kenny Atkinson’s high-octane Cavaliers, who made the Knicks look jayvee in a 142-105 laugher. “You can’t explain it,” Jalen Brunson said. “I’m at a loss for words really.” The defeat dropped the Knicks to 0-6 this season against the league’s top three teams — the Cavs, Thunder and Celtics — while casting further doubt on their ability to compete with those teams, let alone beat them, in a playoff series. The problem was familiar and easy to spot: the defense. Donovan Mitchell, the former Knicks trade target, dissected New York’s soft shell while dropping 27 points in just 26 minutes on 10-of-15 shooting.
Source: New York Post
Source: New York Post
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Danny Cunningham @RealDCunningham
Jalen Brunson is headed to the bench with three fouls and the #Cavs up 20 with 4:11 left in the first half. – 8:02 PM
Jalen Brunson is headed to the bench with three fouls and the #Cavs up 20 with 4:11 left in the first half. – 8:02 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Jalen Brunson tonight:
22 PTS
12 AST
1 STL
1 BLK
Leading all Eastern Conference guards in points. pic.x.com/1N4f7a7iuU – 10:04 PM
Jalen Brunson tonight:
22 PTS
12 AST
1 STL
1 BLK
Leading all Eastern Conference guards in points. pic.x.com/1N4f7a7iuU – 10:04 PM
More on this storyline
KC Johnson: Knicks 113, Bulls 111 (OT) Giddey 27 pts, 16 rebs (both season-highs) Vucevic 21 pts, 9 rebs (blocked at regulation buzzer) Towns 32 pts, 18 rebs Brunson 22 pts, 12 assists -via Twitter @KCJHoop / February 20, 2025
Jalen Brunson isn’t ruling out a return to the 3-point competition after losing in his second try. The Knicks guard didn’t get past the first round Saturday after rushing through his final rack as time was running low. He finished with 18 points, and Miami’s Tyler Herro emerged as a first-time champion by beating Golden State’s Buddy Hield in the final. “Started off hot. I felt great. And then. Oops,” Brunson said. “I feel like I rushed the last rack. You could practice all you want, but once you get out there it’s a tad different.” -via New York Post / February 16, 2025
He also likes being teammates with Brunson, who Towns has deferred to as the Captain since arriving from that stunning trade. “I didn’t come over to be a distraction or disrupt the flow or be on an ego trip or anything. It’s about the team. And I came to amplify them and amplify Cap’,” Towns said. “You can’t win a championship by yourself. You need everybody. And I’m just happy we have a team full of guys who are willing to sacrifice and look at the big picture and do what it takes to bring the city wins every single night, and hopefully it results in a chip.” -via New York Post / February 16, 2025