The Golden State Warriors spoiled the New York Knicks’ first home game with fans, 114-106. Two hours before the game, Knicks Forward Julius Randle was named to his first All Star Game.
He will be the first Knicks player to appear in the All Star Game since Kristaps Porziņģis in 2017.
37 POINTS FOR CURRY
Two time MVP Stephen Curry dominated, scoring 37 points and making 7 three pointers. Curry was a late scratch in Golden State’s last game on Saturday with a stomach ache.
Draymond Green continued to unselfishly facilitate the Warriors offense, racking up 12 assists and 7 rebounds. Green led the way on defense – the Knicks were only 21-43 in the paint tonight. Golden State was 21-29 in the paint.
ALL STAR CELEBRATION
Julius Randle did all he could, scoring 25 points with 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Randle was surprised earlier in the game as a message from his mom was played on the jumbotron, congratulating him on his all star selection. Randle’s wife and son were in attendance – until this season they’d never missed a home game during his Knicks tenure.
New York’s bench improved, led by Derrick Rose’s 16 points and 8 assists. In his previous two games Rose was 2-18.
Tonight’s officiating added insult to injury to the Knicks’ struggles in the paint, as Coach Tom Thibedou continued to argue non calls on shots under the basket. Randle was also frustrated, as he was called for two technical fouls and ejected in the final seconds of the game after the Warriors had pulled away.
“I felt we were getting good shots.” Said Derrick Rose after the game ”To be honest, we weren’t getting the calls. It felt like guys were going into the lane and we weren’t getting the same calls. It makes it hard when it’s that lopsided.”
MVP
Addressing Knicks fans before the game, Randle was met with “MVP” chants.
“It’s been a long time coming man. It’s been tough, but we’ve definitely felt your guys’ energy and love and support. This is a great step to moving forward for our city.”
The next step for the Knicks is to reach .500. New York fell to a 15-17 record and sit as the 7th seed in a crowded and lackluster and Eastern Conference.
The Knicks need to find a consistent second option on offense. Tonight it was Elfrid Payton, scoring 20 points. RJ Barrett only scored 4 points.
Seeing Curry and the Warriors is a stark reminder of the Knicks’ inability to shoot. Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks, the team’s best two shooters, were combined 5-16 from the field and 3-9 from three.
Whether it’s by tinkering with their rotations or adding someone at the trading deadline, the Knicks offense is not cutting it. And while a trade for a star is not a fit or realistic, getting Kevin Knox and his three point shooting back into the rotation and monitoring the availability of a player like JJ Reddick are realistic options for the Knicks going forward.
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