Dwayne Wade’s last game at the Garden. And so he was honored and he had a great 4th quarter to beat the Knicks in their own building. For 18 years now the story has been the same — Knicks lose at home and are embarrassed by some other team’s player doing something special.
The Garden was even loaded with Miami fans who cheered Wade — and Knick fans also, who had ‘nothing better to do since the Knicks were doing nothing’ said one fan on twitter.
It makes you long for Isiah Thomas the coach — and he was a mediocre coach (good GM) — who made sure Knicks players fought back on the court, instructing players to take another guy out after an injustice, and was lambasted by local media (and then the fans) for doing so.
At least Mitchell Robinson blocked Dwayne Wade three (3) times. He is our hope for the future.
The Pursuit of Last Place
Other than that — it was more of the same. Another loss. Knicks trailed throughout. There are 6 games left and Knicks are 2.5 ahead of Phoenix for worst record. And they lost to Phoenix both times this year so if it’s tied, Knicks should get the top lottery probability position. That’s like having a 3.5 game lead with 6 games left. If they clinch last place will they try to win their remaining games?
The Knicks Twin-Headed Monster
Mitchell Robinson started. That was a main story for the Knicks. The subhead: Luke Kornet also started.
- Robinson’s line: 37 minutes, 4-4 (1-2 free throws) 9 pts, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. Fantastic and fun to watch as usual.
- The other underlying story: Luke Kornet’s line: 5-14 (5-13 from 3) 17 pts, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 3 assists in 36 minutes. And Kornet also played pretty good defense.
Unfortunately, this didn't count. But it sure was awesome from @23savage____ ! #Knicks #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/sY9gyUd9Rz
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) March 31, 2019
The Other Important Story Lines
Another main story line: Kevin Knox started out on fire — hitting 3’s and attacking the rim. He finished 7-16 (2-8 from 3) 16 pts, 1 rebound in 40 minutes. Played well but has to work on the rebounds and the defense still.
Air Knox ✈ pic.twitter.com/zihgEYjq6m
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 31, 2019
Emmanuel Mudiay drove the Knicks offense 6-12 (10-12 free throws) 24 pts, 4 assists. As usual, he got his fair share of criticism by some Knicks fans on twitter for his defense and penchant for looking for his shot first and passing second.
Another underlying story line — Damyean Dotson was horrible again: 0-8 (0-6 from 3, 2-2 free throws) 2 pts in 24 minutes and mediocre defense. We were reminded — in fact it was THRUST IN OUR FACE — that Dotson is not Dwyane Wade.
Dennis Smith Jr had a nice full-court drive and SLAM and played fairly well 6-14 12 pts in 18 min, 1 assist.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 31, 2019
Coach Fizdale said Mudiay was the best passer on the team before the trade for Dennis Smith Jr. Smith looks like a better passer to us.
.@Dennis1SmithJr 👉 @MrLance42 🔨 pic.twitter.com/FpNC3qpjAB
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 31, 2019
The Other Knicks
Kadeem Allen (2-6, 8 pts) and Lance Thomas (1-3, 4 pts) rounded out the team. Henry Ellenson, Mario Hezonja, DeAndre Jordan, and John Jenkins did not play coach’s decision. Allonzo Trier, Frank Ntilikina, and Noah Vonleh continued to be injured.
For Miami
Dion Waiters (11-23, 6-16 from 3, 28 pts), Kelly Olynyk (12 pts 11 rebounds), Goran Dragic (10 pts 10 assists), Dwyane Wade (6-16 16 pts 7 rebounds), and Hassan Whiteside (7-10 for 17 pts 13 rebounds 1 block) carried Miami. Mitchell Robinson blocked a Whiteside interior shot at one point. Bam Adebayo had 8 pts.
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