The New York Knicks entered Wednesday night ranked third in the NBA Eastern Conference. They deploy one of the toughest starting lineups in the league, even without All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. On paper, it would seem the Portland Trail Blazers would be outmatched against New York, but this young Rip City squad has shown grit and toughness when not favored and tonight was no different.
The Knicks and Blazers would exchange the lead 42 times in this game, the most times a lead has changed in any game this season. At the end of the day, it took a miracle three-pointer by Mikal Bridges over the outstretched arms of Donovan Clingan to give the Knicks a 114-113 victory in overtime. The loss stings for Portland, but they continue to battle and show promise for the rest of the season and beyond.
New York is a well-coached and prepared team, so using this game as a measure stick isn’t a bad thing. Let’s dive into five points of analysis to better understand how the Trail Blazers lost this heartbreaker of a game.
The MVP of the Game 1A
Shaedon Sharpe carried the Blazers offensively in the first half against the Knicks. It didn’t matter if Bridges, OG Anunoby, or Tom Thibodeau guarded Sharpe, he was scoring the ball. Sharpe made it a point to attack the rim relentlessly. His ability to use his body to finish over bigger defenders is so unique. It was a good sign that he used that to punish the Knicks.
There was a sequence at the 2:00 minute mark of the second quarter when Karl Anthony-Towns got switched onto Sharpe. Normally Shaedon would have settled for the corner three, but on this possession he faked the three, then drove baseline for the easy layup on Towns. When Sharpe is focused on attacking the rim, he applies so much pressure on the defense and makes his life easier from beyond the arc.
The MVP of the Game 1B
Deni Avdija continued his stellar first season with the Blazers with an all-around performance against the Knicks. This New York team finds its identity in getting physical. That played right into the hands of Avdija. Deni would collect 11 rebounds in the first half alone, giving the Blazers multiple second-chance opportunities.
Avdija would finish the game with 27 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. His impact tonight was greater than just numbers. His maestro-like skills directed the offense when the Blazers found themselves stuck in the mud. Avdija pushed the ball against the Knicks in transition. His basketball IQ is a game-changer for the Blazers and it was on full display tonight.
The MVP of the Game 1C
Scoot Henderson’s second year in the NBA has been a complete 180 from his rookie campaign. Granted, he had the weight of the world on his shoulders while living in the shadow of Rip City legend Damian Lillard last year. Tonight’s performance against the Knicks, specifically down the stretch, highlighted the growth he has experienced.
Henderson would score 18 of his 30 points in the crucial fourth quarter. The Blazers needed every one of them in order to force overtime. Tonight Scoot went 4-4 from beyond the three-point line, but most of his points in the final quarter came off of drives to the hoop. Henderson is now able to absorb contact and finish over taller defenders. Against the Knicks it didn’t matter who stood in his way, Scoot was stronger and determined to carry the Blazers.
Making It Easy for the Knicks
The Trail Blazers turned over the ball 25 times against New York. This is well above their season average. Most of them were unforced errors. The Knicks play a physical brand of basketball and have gritty defenders, but the Blazers really shot themselves in the foot more often than not.
If you check the game tape at the 8:50 mark of the third quarter, you’ll see Sharpe make a cut to the paint. Any time Sharpe has an opening in the paint with a full stream of momentum, you pass him the ball. Avdija saw it, but threw it behind Sharpe, resulting in an easy transition bucket for the Knicks. If the Blazers commit one less turnover tonight, they are most likely leaving Moda with the “W”
Off-Ball Screens
The Blazers are probably the best 28-39 team in the history of the NBA. No team in the league is thrilled to be playing them right now. Credit to the players for not mailing it in and the coaching staff for staying proactive with development.
Portland’s off-ball screens tonight were something you see from playoffs-bound teams. It requires practice and multiple sets in order to spring an offensive player open away from the action.
Donovan Clingan led the charge in this department. Whenever he was not setting screens at the top of the key, he was hunting Knicks defenders guarding the Blazers off-ball shooters. Similarly, Henderson and Avdija constantly found someone to seal after they passed the ball. The Knicks were not ready for this type of movement from a team heading into the lottery.
Up Next
Boxscore
The Blazers will next suit up when they play the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM, Pacific.