Knicks 106, Clippers 100: Postgame Reaction
The Knicks needed a win, and gutted one out in Los Angeles against a tough Clippers team on the road, pushing their way towards a top-6 seed and a guaranteed playoff berth.
One paragraph to describe the game
The Knicks fell behind 10-0 to start the game and it felt like another game against a contender when they just wouldn't have quite enough to win out. However, hot shooting from Reggie Bullock and a virtuoso MVP-like performance from Derrick Rose kept the Knicks in the game and up two at halftime, despite off shooting performances from Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. In the second half, the Knicks’ offense didn't get much better, but the defense tightened up even more and both Julius and RJ hit some clutch shots as the Knicks bullied and bludgeoned their way to a 106-100 victory over the Clippers.
Game ball
Derrick Rose: 25 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 11-17 shooting, 2-3 from three
Rose was at his best on Sunday. With the Knicks struggling for any offensive flow, Rose came in and immediately injected energy and purpose into the Knicks' offensive play. He scored 19 points in the first half on 9-10 shooting from the field and he did it in all sorts of ways. Not only was he getting buckets, but he was able to set up teammates for easy buckets as well. With Julius and RJ having off nights, Rose's contribution off the bench was even more vital than usual and he helped steer the Knicks to what feels like the biggest win of the season, and one which gets them on the cusp of a guaranteed playoff berth.
Big stat
43-28. The Knicks’ bench, led by Derrick Rose, outscored the Clippers’ bench 43-28 for the game, once again shifting the tide once Rose replaced Elfrid Payton.
Unsung hero
Reggie Bullock: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Other significant performances
RJ Barrett: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Julius Randle: 14 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists
Obi Toppin: 7 points, 3-4 shooting
