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[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘You saw me with my shirt off. Them abs was poppin’

Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images

New York keeps working on completing the quest on not beating a damn favorite.

It was another day in the office for the Knicks, who inched closer to reaching the playoffs without ever beating a legitimate contender through the regular season.

On Wednesday, it was the Cavs they went against, and all New York did was give up a 15-point lead to end up losing 124-105 to Cleveland inside MSG. Sheesh...

Here’s what Coach Thibs and a few other Knickerbockers had to say about this thing...

Your Knicks are in third up 3 games with 6 left pic.twitter.com/8J88KywuqC

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 3, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On struggling against elite teams:

“Obviously the good teams, they’re going to have records like that against other teams. You have to play really well to beat them. And we understand that. But you also have to look at all the factors that go into it. Is it a back-to-back? Do they have two days of rest? What’s their situation? We’re capable of beating anyone. We’re capable of losing to anyone, too.”

On learning from losses to top teams:

“Every game is revealing to you, telling you things that you need to work on. It also tells you things that you’re doing well. There’s always a lot of challenges.

“Sometimes when you look at the regular season, the variables that you sometimes don’t look at: Who’s out for them? Who’s out for you? Where are you in terms of rest advantage, disadvantage? Where are they? So those things do figure into it.

“But you strive to get better each and every day. You’re seeing it now. And we’ve dealt with it all year. Mitch missed the first 60 games of the season. That’s a lot. It was an opportunity for other guys to get in there and grow. We’re seeing it now with Jalen being out.

“We have more than enough. Next guy get in there and get the job done. Understand what the job is, get in there and execute.”

On injury updates:

“Those guys, they’re close. They’re not quite there. Cam’s in the same boat and Jalen’s getting pretty close as well. Deuce and Cam should be any day.”

On Mitchell Robinson’s rebounding and energy:

“You can see it — and as time goes on, it gets better and better. He usually has a couple guys on him and he still has the ability to get the ball, which is a credit to him. And he’s a big multiple-effort guy, so we need that pressure. Those extra possessions are huge for us.”

For the second year in a row Jalen Brunson has been named a Finalist for the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award pic.twitter.com/21NMv8ttcW

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 2, 2025​

Josh Hart​

On the Cavaliers’ third-quarter run:

“It changed the whole outlook of the game. When you’re already down three rotation guys. Two more basically are out of the game because of fouls, it changed the whole outlook. We were still up at that point. Got to just give them credit. That’s a good team. They’re No. 1 in the East for a reason. Got to tip your cap to them at times.”

On the difficulty regaining rhythm during the Cavs run earsing the 15-point difference:

“When they started going on that run, it was tough to stabilize or kind of slow things down and get us back into a rhythm.”

On the lowered expectations facing Cleveland with so many injured players:

“I don’t know. We just have to go out there and compete. We’re down…no one knows what [Karl-Anthony Towns] is doing, but I’m not sure if Mitch is going to play. Obviously JB and Cam and Deuce, I don’t think are going to be ready.

“You know, it’s the second game of a back-to-back, so we just got to go out there and compete. I think that’s the biggest thing. You know, some games it’s tough to put a lot of stock in. But this one, obviously they’re a heck of a team. They’re the number one team in the East for a reason and they’re going to come out — I think they haven’t played in a couple days so they’re going to have energy and attention to detail.

“So, we’re just going to have to come out and try to match that energy and compete.”

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On the Knicks’ postseason outlook despite their regular-season struggles vs. elite teams:

“It’s 0-0 when you get to [the playoffs]. That would be the tell.

“I don’t think anything right now should ruin our confidence or make this team feel any other way but extremely confident with the work we put in.”

Final box from Cleveland plus a 1st half box and 2nd half box to tell the story pic.twitter.com/UHCFnxQwkm

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 3, 2025​

Mitchell Robinson​

On his birthday performance vs. Philadelphia:

“Honestly I think this [was my best birthday game]. I believe it was this one.

“Coming out there with high energy. We had guys out so next man up. That was the mentality.”

On his conditioning after a long absence:

“[My] legs heavy. [The] conditioning not there. You know, missing 10 months is a loooong time, but I feel like with all the practices we done had, the shootarounds, it’s starting to catch up. That helps a lot.”

On his physical transformation and dropping weight during his rehab:

“I ain’t like how I looked. You saw me with my shirt off. Them abs was poppin’.

“It was the diet. It was a lot of stuff, but I’m not finna speak on it.”

"Those are the types of teams…I expect them all to be in the mix…How does your team finish in the playoffs…that's gonna really determine who feels they're a KD away"

– Shams lists Knicks among teams with "mutual interest" with Kevin Durant at deadlinepic.twitter.com/8efry8CkuC

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 2, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-saw-me-with-my-shirt-off-them-abs-was-poppin

 

[New York Knicks]

Point guard acquired in afterthought trade now playing himself into playoff rotation?

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Wright over Payne? Some think it’s possible.

When the Knicks traded backup big Jericho Sims to the Bucks for veteran point guard Delon Wright, the majority of the fanbase was split into two camps. One camp wondered why they’d trade away an imperfect, yet clearly useful young center (a position lacking depth), for an older point guard (a position of strength) that was unlikely to get any real minutes. And the other camp could not care less, seeing it as a lateral move that wouldn’t ultimately impact the team in any way whatsoever.

After Sims’ first few games as a Buck though, those that were in the first camp saw some of their worst fears come to fruition as the big man had a very solid stretch of games while Wright spent his first few weeks in New York wracking up DNPs as he watched Jalen Brunson, Cam Payne, Deuce McBride, and even Tyler Kolek pick up all of the point guard minutes. Now, Sims still wasn’t lighting up the scoreboard, or stuffing the stat sheet, but he was doing what he has always done a good switch defender, contest shots at the rim, and rebound at a decent rate, and that was much more than what Wright had been doing.

Unfortunately for Milwaukee, and Sims though, he’s been out since March 16th with a torn ligament in his thumb. And since then, the trade has been less about Sims, and the player he could potentially develop into in Milwaukee, and more about Wright and the minutes he has provided for the Knicks.

As mentioned earlier, the Knicks, who roster five point guards when fully healthy, had too much depth at the one. But with Brunson, and Payne out with an ankle injury, McBride out with a groin injury, and Tom Thibodeau unsurprisingly shying away from giving the rookie Kolek big minutes, it’s been Wright who has been thrust not just into the rotation, but the starting lineup. And during his short stint as a starter, the Knicks are 3-1 and have played some really nice basketball.

I do want to be cautious though. This is in no way a suggestion that Wright has changed the trajectory of the season, or that he’s been putting up any notable stats. Because he hasn’t. At the end of the day, he’s a backup point guard, whose lone wins as a starter have come against a Bucks team without Damian Lillard, and Bobby Portis, a Trail Blazers team that has been surprisingly good, but still ultimately a lottery team, and an injury-riddled 76ers team in the midst of one of the most disastrous seasons they’ve had this millennium. But if you have watched Wright as the floor general for the Knicks over the last few games, it’s clear that he’s been a net positive, and that’s caught the attention of a lot of fans.

I dont rlly know whos minutes delon would take but he has to play

— H̷y̷a̷t̷t̷ (@hyattwatcher) April 2, 2025​

Aye man Delon Wright is really moving me as a rotation player

— Omar (@KingBacca22x) April 2, 2025​

Delon Wright gonna fool around and earn some playoff minutes.

— Rit Holtzman (@BenRitholtzNBA) April 2, 2025​

With the way Delon Wright has played, Thibs might have to make a tough rotation decision come playoffs.

— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) April 2, 2025​

Delon Wright is pretty good. His skill set suits this group perfectly.

I wonder if he’ll play when everyone’s healthy. It’s worth discussing.

— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) April 2, 2025​

In his last four games, the veteran is averaging 9.5PPG, 4APG, 3.5RPG, 1.7SPG, and 0.5BPG while shooting 48.3% from the field, and 35.7% from three. Offensively, he’s not forcing much, letting the game come to him, and getting guys involved. And defensively, his size and quick hands have allowed him to be a more consistent, and reliable defender than Brunson, Payne, and Kolek. And while fans may be torn over the idea, Wright may have forced himself into the backup point guard conversation.

delon wright HOOPIN

ya love to see it pic.twitter.com/z2rIQUjNZx

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 2, 2025​

(delon) WRIGHT ON TARGET to og pic.twitter.com/3VGIn8yI3R

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 2, 2025​

Delon Wright Precious Achiuwa pic.twitter.com/cyKpyXu4AJ

— Knicks Nation (@KnicksNationCP) April 3, 2025​

McBride, when, and if he’s ready, is sure to get a good chunk of minutes given his shooting, and defense. But Wright, despite being an inferior scorer to Payne, and an inferior playmaker to Kolek, may give Thibodeau and the Knicks the best combination of skills. A bench backcourt of McBride and Wright could give most opposing second units a lot of trouble with their defense, and offensively, Wright’s tendency to be a more traditional pass-first guard would allow McBride and the rest of the offense to fall into place.

It is a tough decision to make because Payne has had some really nice moments this season, and as we saw in last year’s playoff series against Philadelphia, Payne, and players like Payne, have the potential to turn the tide of playoff games solely off of energy. And in the end, this is a good problem to have if you are Thibodeau or the Knicks. But the truth is, it is no longer a foregone conclusion and is worth discussing now.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ade-now-playing-himself-into-playoff-rotation

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I stick to my ways and know myself’

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

New York didn’t host an NBA game yesterday, but the Knicks kept leaking soundbites.

No basketball in New York yesterday. No basketball in New York today.

The Knicks didn’t play, and while the Nets did, Brooklyn doesn’t count.

Here’s what we have missed from Coach Thibs, a few Knickerbockers, and other gentlemen in the past few hours.

"I have a great job here. No regrets"

– Knicks assistant Tom Thibodeau after Knicks lost in Portland this day in 2002

Loss put Knicks out of playoffs 1st time in 15 years

Thibs had almost joined Blazers staff in summer

Would've joined Blazer & former Knick Rick Brunson pic.twitter.com/xoXLwprgiy

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 4, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On OG Anunoby’s form:

“He’s got a great mix going right now with attacking the rim, getting to the line and high-volume 3s—he’s not hesitating.

“It’s really, really good basketball. And his defense is elite.”

On Delon Wright’s performances of late:

“[Wright has] shown everyone he’s more than capable. We like the job that he’s done.”

On Jalen Brunson’s injury status:

“He’s cleared for basketball activities.”

On when Deuce McBride will make his return:

“Any day now.”

Josh Hart​

On Anunoby’s offensive shift:

“I’m not sure how many times you’ve guys have seen it—in transition or semi-transition—and he gets the ball with a head of steam. I feel like, earlier in the season, he’d kick it out and get the ball moving. Now, he’s realized that he’s a 6-foot-8, 245-pound demon. He’s put his head down and getting to the rim, layups, dunks and fouls. He’s put that little step-through gather step into his mid-post package. It’s helped him a little bit. We love him being aggressive.”

On reintegrating Brunson:

“I think it’ll be a little bit of an adjustment period. For me, it’ll be easy because I played with him for 2 ¹/₂ years.

“The blessing of having him out that long is OG’s been playing unbelievably. [Bridges] has been playing great. [Karl-Anthony Towns] has been playing great. So now there might be a little adjustment in terms of him reintegrating and getting his shots, and playmaking, but also getting those other guys involved.

“It won’t be the same capacity obviously, but we want to get those guys involved when J.B. is out of the game, when J.B. is in the game. It might be a blessing.

“We’ve got a couple of games before playoffs to figure that out.”

Mitchell Robinson to OG Anunoby on IG: “That’s my f*ckin demon right there ” pic.twitter.com/pxP8d2XQhO

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 3, 2025​

OG Anunoby​

On playoff mindset:

“I know when the season’s done and playoffs are starting, it’s time to play the best. Everyone thinks that way.

“You want to be peaking at the end. That’s everyone’s goal.”

Delon Wright on IG: “ ” pic.twitter.com/yxclFdUqvB

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 3, 2025​

Delon Wright​

On his offensive role:

“Sometimes I have to be more aggressive looking to score. I’m pretty sure that’s what the scouting report is—he’s going to try to pass. So I could look at the basket more and make the right play from there, whether it’s score or pass.

“Getting to the paint and passing is something I like to do. It is who I am. I’m used to not trying to do too much. People want me to do more, actually, try to do more on the offensive end, try to score more.

“I stick to my ways and know myself. I’m not trying to do too much and getting the ball to the right people.”

Carmelo Anthony​

On Kiyan’s McDonald’s All-American snub:

“(Kiyan Anthony) ain’t lose in high school yet, in his senior year yet.

“They’re the No. 3 in the country. What are we sitting here talking about? How? That’s my perspective on it.

“I think he got jerked. I think he deserved (being named a McDonald’s All-American).”

Gilbert Arenas speaks on Kiyan Anthony not being selected for the McDonald’s all American game pic.twitter.com/naLEC8BejY

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) April 3, 2025​

Gilbert Arenas​

On Kiyan Anthony not being selected for McDAAG:

“The ‘King of New York’ was not in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Kiyan ‘The King of New York’ Anthony wasn’t invited to the McDonald’s All-American Game in New York.

“These are moments you cannot miss. This is a full-circle moment. You had the father on a McDonald’s commercial... You for sure thought Kiyan was going to be in the goddamn game. It was only right.

“Ranked No. 1 in New York City, I mean, come on, y’all!”

"A pigeon guarding me"

-– Ja Morant to Taylor Rooks on 7'0" Kel'el Ware after hitting the game winner over him pic.twitter.com/0OqAhgWind

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 4, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...s-bulletin-i-stick-to-my-ways-and-know-myself

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘There’s a lot of stuff in this league that gets faked’

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Jalen Brunson is back, blare all New York’s alarms!

Amid a crucial stretch of games for many teams—not the Knicks—New York got the most anticipated and best possible news ahead of their back-to-back set of games through the weekend.

Yes, you guessed right: Jalen Brunson will return to the court either Saturday or Sunday, hopefully appear in four of the six remaining games, and earn the right to contend for season-end awards. Yessir!

Here’s what we’ve heard from Coach Thibs and a few other Knicks ahead of the games against the Hawks and Suns on Sat. and Sun.

Thibodeau said Brunson, McBride and Payne all practiced - sounds like return for all in one of the games this weekend. Said Hukporti is not close to return.

— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) April 4, 2025​

Tom Thibodeau​

On lineup decisions facing another back-to-back:

“It’s more of how (players) feel and what we think is best given all the factors that are involved, and just make a good decision.”

On Mitchell Robinson’s performance since returning from injury:

“Mitch [who missed the first four months of the season while recovering from ankle surgery] still isn’t where he will be. Each week he’s gotten better so it’s had a greater impact.

“I think as his time increases, the defense will get better, too, and there’s different looks that we can give, because when you have [Karl-Anthony Towns] and him and OG [Anunoby] across the front line, it’s hard to get the ball in the paint.”

On Brunson’s conditioning:

“From the first day out, he’s put a lot of time into that. I think that’s part of his awareness and obviously it was an ankle so it was a bit more challenging.

“But he spent a lot more time in the pool, on the bike, he’s been on it from the beginning. He was working out 2–3 times a day, but there’s nothing you can do that can replicate the intensity of a game.”

On Brunson’s return to team activities:

“He’s done a lot of individual stuff, but he hasn’t done any of the team stuff [until Friday].

“I think that part was really good. It was up and down, and the contact part is really the big thing.”

On Brunson’s leadership:

“He has a unique way of leading. Not a big rah-rah vocal guy. Most of those guys say all the right things and do none of them.

“I’m more like: What’s a guy do every day? Are you early to practice? Do you practice hard? Do you concentrate? Do you give maximum effort all the time? Are you a good teammate? Do you help lift people up? Those are the things I think are more important than yapping.

“Everything matters — rehab, getting to practice early, getting to the plane early, getting to the meetings early, staying late, coming back at night. You can’t fake that. There’s a lot of stuff in this league that gets faked. He doesn’t fake it. You can come by anytime, and you’ll see him. That’s why he doesn’t have to say anything. Everyone sees it.”

On making decisions for players returning from injury:

“When guys are coming back—they can look good today, which they all did—but then how do they feel tomorrow? It’s more of how they feel and what we think is best, given all factors involved. We just need to make a good decision.”

On Ariel Hukporti’s rehab status:

“He’s a ways away.”

OG Anunoby thinks he should be First-Team All-Defense and Defensive Player of the Year: “I’ve always felt that way.” #Knicks

— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) April 4, 2025​

OG Anunoby​

On earning All-Defensive honors:

“It’s pretty important to me. It’s an effort thing. It’s playing hard and helping teams win. So I think it’s important.”

On deserving to win Defensive Player of the Year:

“That’s important too. I think I should be on first-team All-Defense. I think I should win Defensive Player of the Year.

“I’ve always felt that way.”

On how opponents play him:

“People don’t attack if I’m guarding them. Or they’ll call for a screen. I’ve noticed that over the years. I’ve always known it. I’ve always known people do that—like, calling for a screener to get me off them.

“There’s no stats for that. There’s no stat for picking up a dribble to pass. Or shot attempts—like no shot attempts, there’s no stat for that. So, they can’t really tell.

“And big men... they just always give (DPOY) to the big men.”

On his enhanced durability this season:

“Yeah, it’s always been a goal to get stronger as the year goes on. So I’m proud of it. Yeah, I worked really hard.”

On staying locked in late in the season:

“When I’m playing, for sure, playing hard and playing the right way. Then also thinking toward the playoffs and just being in rhythm for that. Knowing that’s what really matters.”

On team health nearing the playoffs:

“It’s good. Exciting for everyone to be almost back. It’s good to see everyone getting healthier.”

Hart on how Brunson looked: “Scored a lot of buckets, gave up a lot of buckets. So normal.”

— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) April 4, 2025​

Josh Hart​

On his ridiculous availability:

“I always said the biggest thing is availability when it comes to being in the league. I want to play as many games as I can.

“I want to play. Last year I played 81, should have played 82. I was kind of in a mood for that one game [against the Wizards on Jan. 18], so I ended up missing that one.

“Yeah, man, I want to play. It’s the first time in my career where I’m putting together high 70s, 80 games played. So that’s what I want to do.”

On staying fresh late in the season:

“I try to get a little bit more sleep. This is the time of the year when that sucks because I’ve got kids and want to spend time with them.

“At the beginning of the season, even if we get home at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., I’d be up at 7:30, 8 o’clock so I could see the kids. Now I might have to stay in bed a little bit longer and not see them when they go to school.

“I try to prioritize sleep a bit more, along with weight room work.”

On Brunson’s first team practice:

“He looked good. Got a lot of buckets, gave up a lot of buckets. So about normal.”

Kevin Garnett (Former NBA Player)​

On Carmelo Anthony’s physicality:

“Melo, man... Before the conversion of the 3–4, I think [Denver] played with him at [the two or three]. And he was just too physical for the twos, and he was just too physical for the threes.

“He was the way more physical specimen in every matchup he played.”

Paul Pierce (Former NBA Player)​

On guarding Melo:

“I didn’t mind guarding [Kobe] or Bron. You know, they’ll get their numbers and stuff, but I relish guarding them.

“Melo is trying to give you 40 and kind of hurt you doing it. Shouldering your chest, elbows, grabbing, all of that.

“I actually hated guarding Melo.”

pic.twitter.com/StSohiQhmr

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 5, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...a-lot-of-stuff-in-this-league-that-gets-faked

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 121, Hawks 105: “Wow we’re on a heater as a team.”

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Paint Job: Knicks dominate undermanned Hawks to win the season series.

After losing their first two games against the Atlanta Hawks (36–41), the New York Knicks (49–28) tied up the season series with two close wins (one in overtime). Today’s Hawks were missing two important frontcourt pieces, and we assumed they would be vulnerable in the paint. Geez, were they ever. Led by a 30–11 double-double from Karl-Anthony Towns, 24 points from OG Anunoby (on 9-of-17 shooting), and a near triple-double from Josh Hart (16 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds), the Knickerbockers beat the feathers out of the Hawks, 121–105.

After falling behind early, the Knicks blitzed the Hawks with elite defense, fast breaks, and paint dominance—led by Josh Hart and OG Anunoby—building a 31-point lead by halftime behind 67% shooting, 11 threes, and their highest-scoring first half of the season. The dominance continued in the second half with more sharp shooting and focused defense.

Quoth @back: “Wow, we’re on a heater as a team.” At one point this afternoon, I checked the box score and had the same response. What a beautiful sight when all the Knicks are scoring efficiently—and notching defensive stats to boot.

For the Hawks, F. Trae Young scored a frustrated 16 points and nine assists on 5-of-15 shooting from the floor. Caris LeVert and Terance Mann contributed 14 points apiece off the bench. And what a lovely afternoon it turned out be.

First Half​

Trailing 3–8 after an F. Trae Young triple, the Knicks erupted with steals, fast breaks, and sharp shooting, led by Josh Hart’s eight points and three steals in the opening frame. Yet again, OG Anunoby’s two-way brilliance anchored them in Brunson’s absence. Fueled by a 10–2 and an 11–3 run, New York built a 27–17 lead with four and a half minutes left, displaying crisp ball movement (10 assists on their first 14 field goals) and lockdown defense (five first-quarter steals).

Knicks working for scheme versatility, Karl-Anthony Towns at the level vs. Trae Young in P&R. Two on the ball but you see the help from Bridges/Hart. Intrigued to see how much the Knicks mix it in. pic.twitter.com/PxXf0IeZ9i

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) April 5, 2025​

Atlanta answered with a LeVert three, a Young floater, and a few scrappy plays from Dyson Daniels to end the quarter on a 7–2 run, trimming the deficit to 38–31. During the action, Towns briefly exited after jamming the thumb he injured in January, but Precious Achiuwa filled in admirably until his return.

The Knicks exploded in the second quarter, stretching their lead from 13 to as many as 31. With Capela and Jalen Johnson out, Atlanta’s interior was exposed, and New York relentlessly attacked the paint. Aside from seven threes, all of their Q2 field goals came in the paint—which helped to collapse the defense and free up shooters on the perimeter. Scoring 40 in the quarter, the Knicks took a 78–53 lead into halftime, and that’s their highest first-half total this season.

Bridges drains the 3 off the ball movement to extend the lead

Knicks are on a 14-1 run on NBA League Pass. pic.twitter.com/hhSr3jAuNh

— NBA (@NBA) April 5, 2025​

They did it by shooting 67% from the field, 11-of-16 from three, forcing 11 turnovers, and dominating in the paint, on the glass, and in transition. Four of the Knicks starters had scored in double-digits, and Landry Shamet was +17 off the bench. It was one of their finest halves all year.

The Knicks are lighting it up from beyond the arc

11 threes in the first half!

Catch the second half of NYK-ATL on NBA League Pass. pic.twitter.com/C8ovw0ysQJ

— NBA (@NBA) April 5, 2025​

Second Half​

The Knicks rocketed out of halftime, continuing where they left off with efficient offense and disciplined defense. Josh Hart set the pace with a three-pointer and multiple assists, including a dime to OG Anunoby for a thunderous dunk. Towns continued his all-around impact, cleaning the glass, drawing fouls, and hitting free throws to keep the pressure on Atlanta.

One key sequence saw Delon Wright and Landry Shamet knock down threes, while Hart stuffed the stat sheet with boards and buckets. Despite a few late scores from Vit Krejci and Caris LeVert, the Knicks maintained control, stretching their lead to as many as 34.

ANUNOBY INCOMING pic.twitter.com/TqZ0pIv17z

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 5, 2025​

Although not on the injury report, Tyler Kolek sat throughout the blowout. The camera did catch him energetically tying his shoes, however. Whatever you gotta do to stay ready, Tyler!

The Knicks entered the fourth up 108–80 and never let up, with Karl-Anthony Towns fueling the offense early and Precious Achiuwa adding inside scoring. Atlanta got brief life from threes by Risacher and Young, but New York quickly reasserted control, extending the lead to 29.

those kat-like reflexes ‍ pic.twitter.com/vOsbNfNDhq

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 5, 2025​

Atlanta went on a 14-1 run late in the quarter. Ahead by 21 with 2:24 minutes left, Anunoby checked out, having logged 35 minutes. Hart finally subbed out at 1:33, one rebound shy of a triple-double. He played 32. At least these guys don’t have to get on a plane and zip back to New York to play again tomorrow night. Oh, wait. . . .

Up Next​

The Phoenix Suns meet up with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-121-hawks-105-wow-were-on-a-heater-as-a-team

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks vs Suns, April 6, 2025

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Brunson returns as Knicks eye 50th win vs. slumping Suns

The New York Knicks (49–28) return to Madison Square Garden tonight for a 7:00 PM ET tip against the Phoenix Suns (35–42), with a significant boost on the way: Jalen Brunson is expected to make his return. With just a few games remaining, New York hopes to lock down their fiftieth win and the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks are coming off a convincing 121–105 win over the Hawks in Atlanta yesterday. Meanwhile, the Suns were beaten up in Beantown on Friday, their fifth loss in a row (which followed a four-game win streak). Sitting two games out of the Western Conference play-in picture, they’re desperate to keep their season alive. Kevin Durant remains out with an ankle injury, so the offensive burden falls on Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The latter shot 0-of-7 in that Boston loss and recorded one point in his 38 minutes. All hail Leon Rose for not chasing that albatross.

The Knicks and Suns last faced off on November 20, 2024, in Phoenix, where New York rolled to a 138–122. Jalen Brunson scored 36 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 34. The Knicks came out blazing, shooting 72.7% from deep in the first quarter, and never looked back. Devin Booker posted 33 for the Suns, for Phoenix, missing Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Joining Book and Beal in the front court, look for rookie Ryan Dunn (6.4 PPG, 43% FG), Royce O’Neale (9.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG), and rookie Oso Ighodaro (4 PPG, 3.6 RPG).

Prediction​

ESPN.com favors New York at 64%. Groovy. The Knicks are certainly poised for a strong showing against a Suns team clinging to playoff hopes.

The Captain would love to replicate his 36-point outburst from his last game against Phoenix, but he’s sure to be a little rusty. We expect him to have a minute restriction in his return from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for 15 games. Phoenix’s Devin Booker continues to score efficiently, but without Kevin Durant, it’s tough sledding, and he’s saddled with two greenhorns in the starting lineup. Karl-Anthony Towns remains a steady force in the frontcourt, and OG Anunoby has unlocked a career-best, other level. The Knicks are well-positioned to take care of business, notch their fiftieth win, and celebrate the Captain’s return with a +15 victory.

Game Details​

Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

TV Broadcast: MSG

Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/4/6/24402340/game-preview-knicks-vs-suns-april-6-2025