There are many surprising storylines in this special season of the NBA, but that of the New York Knicks had few observers foreseen. Last night, New York recorded its seventh straight win against Charlotte, putting it on track for its first playoffs since 2013.
Against the Hornets, RJ Barrett’s 18 points after half time and the Knicks’ tough defense made the difference: 109-97. New York is surprisingly in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and can take fourth place with a win against Atlanta today.
The Knicks’ success this season is that of coach Tom Thibodeau. It swears in a super-offensive NBA by “old school” basketball focused on defense and hard work. On the offensive, Julius Randle is the best player with averages of 23.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per match.
Thibodeau gave veterans Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson another chance and the mix with the youngsters works wonderfully. For the first time since 2013, the Knicks have a real view of the playoffs and a report with more wins than defeats.
“The most important thing now is that we are not going to float”, Thibodeau tries to keep his players on the ground. “If you start to pay attention to victories and the playoffs, you lose your focus and it has to be on the next game. You can easily be knocked off course.”
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In Portland, Paul George was the match winner for the Los Angeles Clippers. With 33 points and 2 crucial free throws in the final phase, he gave the Clippers their 9th victory in 10 games: 112-113.
In Kawhi Leonard’s absence, George was the man. “Right now he’s doing everything. He’s really taking the team by the hand and we needed that,” said Clippers coach Ty Lue. In 6 of his last 7 matches, George scored 32 points or more.
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The Brooklyn Nets can also win without Kevin Durant and James Harden. Kyrie Irving was very important against New Orleans with 32 points, 8 assists and a defensive play on Zion Williamson in the closing stages.
Irving also got help from his teammates, as Joe Harris, Landry Shamet, Blake Griffin and Jeff Green scored double runs. Zion Willamson’s 33 points were not enough for the Pelicans.
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