Knicks RIP Kings; NY 116 Sacramento 96

The Knicks ripped the 18-34 Sacramento Kings, 116-96 on a Monday night at Madison Square Garden. NY led throughout — was up by 8 after a quarter, 13 at the half, 18 entering the 4th, and were up by 29 at one point in the 4th before Sacramento scored 11 of the last 14 points to only lose by 20.

1. Fournier Early Offense

Evan Fournier provided the Knicks with early offense. He lit it up with accurate shooting and finished with 18 points on 7-11 shooting (4-7 from 3) and a +9.

2. Burks, Grimes Carried Knicks in 4th

Alec Burks lit it up in the 4th, helping the Knicks to that at-one-point 29-point lead. Burks led NY with 21 points on 6-9 shooting (4-6 from 3) and a +25.

Quentin Grimes had another great game for NY with sharpshooting and D — he had 14 points on 5-9 shooting (2-5 from 3).

3. Obi > Halliberton

Grimes defended Halliberton for long periods, and Halliberton looked ordinary on the evening. He had 21 points on 7-16 and a -18.

Meanwhile, Obi Toppin, whom the Knicks drafted at #8 in the 2021 draft over Halliberton — electrified the night with his overall play — his drives to the basket, dunks, 3-pt shots, Defense, and Energy from his 6’9 frame. On this night, it looked like the Knicks had made the right choice in the draft — even knowing how difficult it is to find an elite point guard.

4. Randle Good

Julius Randle had a good game — 17 points on 7-14 shooting (1-3 from 3), 9 rebounds, 4 assists and a +10 — and spoke to the media in the postgame for the first time in two weeks.

RJ Barrett had 11 points on 4-14 in 27 minutes and a +12 — getting a lot of rest in the 4th as Burks dominated and Grimes got a lot of playing time.

Mitchell Robinson had another strong game at center — 9 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

The Boxscore

https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401360582

 

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