Mike Brown, Landry Shamet
Any team in the midst of a four-game skid that has also lost eight out of 10 will feel pressure to perform. That was the case with the New York Knicks entering into Wednesday’s action.
Big man Karl-Anthony Towns was struggling, and has been rumored to be a potential trade candidate. Against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, every single thing went right. New York’s largest win in franchise history had been by 48 points, something they have done three times (most recently in 1994).
Those books have been rewritten, folks. Their effort against the Nets was perfect. It was one of the largest victories in the history of the association. The final score featured a 120-66 victory for the home team, led by Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride. 54-point difference!
Landry Shamet went 6-6 from beyond the arc, continuing to bring value since his return from injury.
More on tonight’s historic victory to come.
Knicks, Miles McBride, Earn Largest Win In Franchise History
Dropping 120 points on your local rival is one thing. Holding them to just 66 is another. It was an absolute drubbing by the Knicks of the Nets, and this may serve to get them back to where they need to get.
A team with aspirations of winning a title and making it to the NBA Finals, this is the kind of performance that puts the whole league on notice. Jalen Brunson led the way with 20 points in a team-high 31 minutes of action.
Landry Shamet dropped his 18 points on six three-point attempts. The team also got a big lift (what else is new) from Miles McBride. The fifth-year guard finished with a line of 14-6-4 in jus 19 minutes of action.
He knocked down three triples, bringing instant energy off the bench. A game-best +34 net rating showcased exactly what be was able to bring in each half of this one. The reserves nearly outscored the starters in this one, scoring 59 to the 61 given by the team’s first five.
Every single player except for Pacome Dadiet was able to put the ball in the hoop for New York, showing just what kind of game it was.
The added benefit of a win like this now, is that they will have three days off before facing the 76ers on Saturday.
Looking Ahead for the Knicks
After that Saturday battle with Philadelphia, New York will play three more games in the month of January. They will host the Kings, before heading north of the border to face off with the Toronto Raptors.
After that one, they will play host to the Portland Trail Blazers. Three games that will certainly test a team that is coming off a major win and trying to keep things going well.
On nights when Miles McBride and Landry Shamet are playing well, this is a tough group to beat. Add in all the offensive rebounds and hustle from Mitchell Robinson, and there is a second-unit with a whole lot of heart.
The Karl-Anthony Towns issue is far from resolved. But it will be out of the headlines until at least after the battle with Joel Embiid and the Sixers. Those two have a history dating back to a major fight in 2019 (linked below).
If he can deliver for his team in the next few games, it can quell a lot of rumors and keep the train on the track.
Celebrate your 54-point win, New York. It’s the largest you’ve ever had. But understand this may only buy a few days of peace.