Mitchell Robinson scored 22 points off the bench to help the Knicks to their best win of the season to date, while also spoiling the return of Carmelo Anthony.
If the Knicks are serious about turning their season around, they’re off to a great start in 2020.
Mitchell Robinson made all 11 of his shots and finished with 22 points as the Knicks beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 117-93, Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Julius Randle added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks.
It was the Knicks’ season-high third straight victory. They’re now 6-6 since Mike Miller took over as interim head coach. The Knicks are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
The win also spoiled the return of Carmelo Anthony to the Garden. Anthony came out hot from the start and finished with a game-high 26 points. He was cheered throughout the night at the arena he called home for six-plus seasons.
But Anthony’s performance wasn’t enough for Portland. The Knicks managed to keep Damian Lillard in check, the All-Star guard was held to 11 points on just 5-for-20 shooting from the field.
“The team defense was pretty sharp tonight”, Miller said afterwards.
Robinson was also sharp. The 21-year old seven-footer checked into the game mid-way through the opening quarter and immediately made an impact. It seemed as if whenever the Knicks looked his way the result was an alley-oop or a putback. Robinson’s potential is scary, if he can continue to stay out of foul trouble his minutes will increase because he can be a gamechanger on offense and defense.
If I had to pick one word to describe how the Knicks have played lately, it would be together.
The players look more comfortable in their roles since Miller took over. Randle and Morris are clearly the top scoring options and Payton has put everyone in better positions to make plays.
There’s clearly been an increased effort on both sides of the court. The spacing on offense has improved compared to earlier in the season. Payton’s return from the injured list has helped stabilize the point guard position. Meanwhile on defense, the Knicks have held their last three opponents to under 40 percent shooting from the field.
Miller also appears to have found the makings of a consistent rotation, something Fizdale struggled with during his tenure as head coach.
Reggie Bullock’s return gives the Knicks another source of offense off the bench. He provided a nice lift against Portland with 11 points in 15 minutes of action. It was Bullock’s two three’s which helped spark a 14-0 run early in the fourth quarter to blow the game open for New York.
Ntilikina looks to be settling nicely into a reserve role behind Payton. Miller now has two solid defenders at the point.
In Robinson, Ntilikina, Bullock, and Bobby Portis, the Knicks suddenly have a formidable bench. The Knicks’ bench outscored Portland’s reserves, 64-13.
The Knicks picked an ideal time to give their best performance so far this season. It was New Year’s Day and there will be increased attention brought to the job performance of Miller since taking the interim role as head coach.
What’s Next?
It’s time to head out west. The Knicks (10-24) begin a four-game road trip this Friday night in Phoenix.
Layups
When Carmelo Anthony gave the okay for the Knicks to trade him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, the draft pick (35th overall) which came back for him turned into Mitchell Robinson.
R.J. Barrett is clearly struggling. The Knicks’ rookie shot just 3-for-12 from the field against Portland and finished with only seven points. There are moments where he looks lost out there.
It’s still early, but how Miller uses Barrett will be something worth keeping a close eye on during the west-coast trip. Because while things are indeed going well for the Knicks right now, Barrett’s development and progression still is a main priority for this team.