The Knicks are determined to make us all sweat and that’s what they did on Saturday when they beat the Wizards 122-103, not before nearly surrendering a 33-point lead. Sheesh...
New York welcomed its team back and boosted them in victory after back-to-back collapses earlier this week. MSG will grace the Knicks two more times on Tuesday and Wednesday before our heroes board another plane for their next road game—against the Bucks on Friday.
Here’s what Coach Thibs and a few Knickerbockers had to say before and yesterday’s get-right game.
Thibodeau on Tyler Kolek tonight:
“The second quarter was really good, and it allowed Cam to get some rest there. But it’s more how the team was functioning. Building that lead was more a byproduct of staying organized and penetration and making the right reads. So it was good… pic.twitter.com/j9hD2GMjdB
— Ben Oppenheimer (@BenOpp92801) March 23, 2025
On Cam Payne’s key three-pointer:
“We have to play tougher with the lead. But that was a big shot for us. Cam isn’t afraid to let it fly in those spots, which is what we like about him. He stepped up and gave us some really good minutes tonight.”
On Cam Payne’s shooting mindset:
“He’s not afraid. Cam is going to let it fly, which is what we like about him. We have to play tougher with a big lead, but that was a big shot.”
On Tyler Kolek’s performance against Washington:
“Tyler gave us great minutes. We built the lead which allowed Cam to get some rest there. It was more how the team was functioning. We stayed organized and he was making the right reads — it was good to see, he’s done a good job for us.”
On the Wizards’ offense nearly clearing a 33-point Knicks advantage:
“They are a good offensive team in terms of pace. They can make up ground quickly on you.”
On replacing Brunson by committee:
“When he went out, we talked about it. You’re not replacing Jalen individually, it’s impossible. So we have to do it collectively. We have to do it with our defense and our rebounding and playing together. We do that, we’re capable of winning.”
On Brunson’s recovery status:
“When he went out, we talked about it. You’re not replacing Jalen individually. It’s impossible. So we have to do it collectively. We have to deal with our defense and our rebounding and playing together. When we do that, we’re capable of winning.”
On the team focus late in the season:
“We just talked about it as a team as we’re heading down the stretch. Everyone’s got to be focused on the things we need to focus on.”
On finally returning to MSG:
“It’s good to be back [home]. We’ve just got to come with our energy tonight.”
On moving past the road trip:
“It’s part of the league. It’s, just get ready for the next game. Understand what went into it, what you have to prepare for each game. Just got to be ready to go.”
On St. John’s season under Rick Pitino:
“They had a heck of a season. Rick has done an incredible job there. The program is on its way. They had a phenomenal year … [John Calipari] did a terrific job at Arkansas as well. He’s a good friend as well. The tournament is the tournament, you know. One and done.”
On nearly blowing a 33-point lead as the Wizards cut it down to four:
“It was four? I didn’t know that. We can’t have those nights—those moments where we play a great first half and then we act like teams are just going to give us the win. This is the NBA, guys.”
On Mikal Bridges’ impact on Saturday’s win:
“We’ve all seen those moments where Mikal shows why he is so coveted in this league. He can score the ball. But he does so much for our team and sacrifices so much so that we can be the best version of ourselves.”
On Cam Payne stepping up:
“Shout out to Cam. He stepped in like a true professional and led us. He gave us the spark we needed, without that kind of start from him I don’t know how this game goes—shoutout to him for real.”
On hitting a big shot after missing badly twice:
“It felt good, especially after hitting the side of the backboard twice in a row. Glad I found a way to help us get the lead back up.”
On the mindset going into the game:
“I kind of felt like everybody came in knowing it was a must-win for us. Get back on the right track. We’re back at home.”
On playing at MSG again:
“It’s lit. It’s good to be in front of our fans. They give us the juice tonight, and we needed the juice.”