#Rj barrett stats vs hawks full#

Upon rewatch, even that could be spun positively. After all, the paint on the Knicks’ 23-point collapse the last time they saw Atlanta just over a month ago is barely dry. I sat impatiently and frustratedly watching possession after possession as the Knicks struggled against a zone like my 10th grade basketball team would. I’m sure many, in the moment, were thinking, “Oh God, here we go again.” I know I was. The Knicks went up 18 early in the second quarter before the Hawks switched to a zone defense that sparked a 17-0 run for the boys from Atlanta. If a stunt, hedge, dig, or rotation needs to be made, one of those three will make it. When those three are on the court together, forays into the paint are damn near impossible. Grimes’ sophomore classmate, Deuce McBride, played his second game of the season in the rotation and, along with Grimes and Immanuel Quickley, formed a defensive trio that we’re about five games from coming up with a permanent nickname for. Matching up with Clint Capela, Robinson appeared determined to prove who the better center was as he bullied the Atlanta frontcourt to the tune of nine offensive rebounds. Fellow frontcourt mate Mitchell Robinson was dominant on both ends. He also pushed the pace relentlessly, creating high-efficiency baskets for his team out of thin air. Whether it was to pass or shoot, Randle made quick decisions all night. Rather, it was the manner in which he accumulated those statistics that made Randle’s game the best game of his season.

Surprisingly, however, it wasn’t the statistical output that impressed the most. Randle became the first player in Knicks history to have 30, 15 and 5 in a single game without a turnover. He was once again efficient – his true shooting percentage (TS%) for the season is up to 58.5% – in both in his shooting and his distribution (five assists to zero turnovers). On the other side of the ball, Randle was phenomenal. Grimes attached himself to Young and didn’t relent. So when Young came out struggling to knock down a shot, it probably should have come as less of a surprise. His screen navigation is unparalleled you could watch an entire game without seeing a screen get set on him clean. It’s rare to see someone so complete at such a young age, but Grimes checks every box: quick enough to slide with swift ball handlers, strong enough not to get bullied. Each night he is handed the toughest assignment and refuses to back down. His defense is everything fans expected and then some. Per usual, that started with sophomore Quentin Grimes. While the task at hand simplified after Dejounte Murray landed on RJ Barrett’s foot and was out the rest of the game, the Knicks should come away from this one feeling immense pride in their defensive effort. The Knicks made life difficult for Atlanta from the start. Last night was an entirely different story. The defense came out seemingly having learned nothing from the Dallas game, but Cleveland couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. Sunday I noted the Knicks’ hot start was largely due to good fortune. Julius Randle led the way, but this game showcased the potential this young Knicks team possesses.

#Rj barrett stats vs hawks full#

While Young was without a few of his running mates, the new-look Knicks were at full strength, showcasing their nine-man rotation for the second time. Trae Young walked into Madison Square Garden a king and walked out a jester after the New York Knicks stomped the Atlanta Hawks 113-89. At least, the self-proclaimed King of Broadway was.