Knicks 118, Grizzlies 104: Postgame Reaction
The Knicks remain undaunted by any team, now winners of 12 of their last 13 games. Derrick Rose drove the team off the bench in a complete team effort to sweep the season series from the Grizzlies.
One paragraph to describe the game
This game shouldn’t have been this easy. It’s usually very challenging to sweep a season series against a more or less evenly-matched team, particularly when the games aren’t that far apart. But, even on a “down” night for Julius Randle (28 points on 9-23 shooting), Derrick Rose’s brilliance, Alec Burks’ return, and more helped push the Knicks to a win. The Knicks led by as many as 17 points, but the Grizzlies brought it close late in the fourth. Luckily, between some clutch shots by the Knicks and a total temper tantrum technical foul meltdown by the Grizzlies, the Knicks were able to pull away and win.
Game ball
Derrick Rose: 25 points, 11-15 shooting, 3-5 from three
Derrick Rose continues to be the engine that makes this team go. It makes you wonder what it would take to get him in the starting lineup over Elfrid Payton so the Knicks can start games as well as Rose makes them finish games, but it’s tough to argue with the results lately. Rose’s game around the hoop is just pure beauty right now, and just as importantly, his outside shot is dropping. He’s playing like a star off the bench right now.
Big stat
Eight combined blocks for Taj Gibson (five) and Norvel Pelle (three). With Nerlens Noel out and a matchup against an opponent with size (particularly Jonas Valanciunas), there was definitely a chance this game could’ve gone off the rails thanks to a lack of interior presence. No worries, though, Taj “Ageless Wonder” Gibson and Pelle held things down without much issue.
Unsung hero
Alec Burks: 9 points, 2 assists, 4-7 shooting in first action post-health and safety protocols
Other significant performances
Julius Randle: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
RJ Barrett: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, team-high +21
Reggie Bullock: 13 points, 5 rebounds
