The Knicks easily took down the shorthanded Rockets and kept it rolling on Saturday night, beating Houston 121-99. The Knicks were without Mitchell Robinson, as he’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an fractured right hand. The Rockets continued to miss Christian Wood (Ankle) and were without Victor Oladipo, sitting out for rest. “Sharing is caring” as Clyde Frazier said – as the Knicks scored 58 bench points compared to the Rockets’ 22.
STAR(S) OF THE GAME
I’ve written about Immanuel Quickly and Derrick Rose in both of my first Peach Basket articles. Make it three out of three. Quickly was electric tonight, scoring 22 positive points and shooting 4-6 from beyond the arc. Rose put up 16 points and racked up 3 assists. Knicks fans should appreciate looking forward for the second unit. Quickly is becoming one of the best shooters on New York, playing with a confidence that puts him in the Rookie of the Year conversation with LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Halliburton.
BIGGEST CONCERN
While Immanuel Quickly is becoming a reliable 3 point presence, I continue to worry about the Knicks shooting ability. New York shot abnormally well from three tonight, 42.9% compared to Houston’s 18.6%. John Wall hit a couple of threes to begin the 2nd half, reminding Knicks fans of the team’s tendency to drop off in the second half and play progressively sloppy basketball. The Knicks were able to keep up, as Quickly hit a couple of threes on his own. However the Knicks lucked out that Wall’s shooting didn’t stay hot. The Knicks had a similar experience with the Wizards last night when Davis Bertrans and Garrison Matthews were efficient from beyond the arc. As consistent as Randle has been and as exciting as Quickly and Rose have become, it seems like any Knicks win is predicated on their opponent shooting as poorly from three as they can.
SURPRISE CONTRIBUTION
Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson were good tonight! Noel has the highest blocks per 36 minutes in the league (you can take that stay with a grain of salt, but still) and fits in perfectly to the Knicks starting five. Noel and Gibson combined for 14 points and 11 rebounds, shooting efficiently at 7-9 from the field. We didn’t see any time with Randle at the five, but tonight should soothe fans fears that Robinson’s absence spells doom for any Knicks’ playoffs dreams. The Knicks only had 4 offensive rebounds, but still outscored the Rockets in the paint 60-44.
NEXT GAME
Vs. Atlanta Hawks, Monday, February 15th 4:30 Pacific
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