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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

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 112, Suns 98: Scenes from the half century mark.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

The Knicks record consecutive 50 win seasons for the first time in 30 years.

Yesterday, the short-handed New York Knicks (50–28) crushed the Hawks. Tonight, they were finally close to full strength. Jalen Brunson returned after a 15-game absence with an ankle sprain; Miles McBride was back after missing eight with a groin injury; and Mitchell Robinson, still working into game shape, was cleared to play. The second night of a back-to-back can be tricky, but the struggling, Durant-less Suns (35–43)—set to finish below .500 for the first time since 2019–20 and riding a five-game skid—seemed like easy pickings at Madison Square Garden.

And mostly, they were. Final score: 112-98.

As expected, Brunson looked rusty, getting stripped twice in his first seven minutes. Devin Booker sparked Phoenix with a few jumpers but offset them with two turnovers of his own. The Suns missed 9 of 10 threes, yet New York’s seven turnovers kept the game tight. A bright spot: McBride came in and promptly drilled two triples. Despite sloppy ball control, the Knicks shot 11-of-19 from the field, hit 50% from deep, and tallied 10 assists to take a 27–23 lead into the break.

In the second period, our heroes went on a 12-2 run to attain a 15 point advantage. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 11 of his 15 first-half points to lead the pack, and he finished the night with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Nice sequence, this:

first the rejection then the bucket

KAT really doin it all pic.twitter.com/dJdmhqb3IV

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 6, 2025​

Despite another 1-for-9 showing from deep, Phoenix clawed back with rebounds, second-chance points, and another Brunson turnover. Booker (20 first-half points) and Grayson Allen (10) led the charge, cutting the deficit to seven before a corner three from Bridges made it 53–43 at the break. Mikal had an efficient half with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while Brunson managed just five points on three attempts in 15 minutes.

Folks, meet Bradley Beal. He missed all seven shots on Friday in Boston and all five in tonight’s first half. Quite a streak!

Knicks commentator ROASTED Bradley Beal after he missed a layup

"Beal has been inept, incompetent, incoherent as a Sun"
pic.twitter.com/n49xZTZBXJ

— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) April 7, 2025​

OG Anunoby led a dominant third quarter for the Knicks, hitting multiple threes, throwing down a dunk, and scarfing up rebounds to extend New York’s lead to 87–70. His efficient scoring (32 points on 13-of-17 from the field and 6-of-8 from deep) and two-way play powered the Knicks, while Phoenix struggled with turnovers and missed shots. Despite brief sparks from Booker and Oso Ighodaro, the Suns couldn’t match New York’s pace or execution.

HEAT CHECK.

OG Anunoby's up to 19 in the 3rd quarter on 7-7 from the field! pic.twitter.com/SJthBNZtn3

— NBA (@NBA) April 7, 2025​

The Suns opened the fourth with a 17–6 run, slicing the lead to six as the Knicks went over six minutes without a bucket. OG stopped the bleeding with his 30th point, but sloppy play let Phoenix close within five with about two minutes left. Then Brunson, 0-for-3 from deep until then, buried a clutch three to give New York the cushion it needed to lock up win number 50.

JALEN BRUNSON IS CLUTCH. pic.twitter.com/aW99cJ3GH3

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 7, 2025​

Up Next​

Chef Miranda is roasting your recap to a golden brown crisp. The Knickerbockers get a day off and then return to the Garden on Tuesday, when the Boston Celtics visit. Sleep well, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

P.S.: Here’s OG with the 360.

OG Anunoby goes 360 to put the on the Knicks win pic.twitter.com/tpjMAV2hrv

— NBA (@NBA) April 7, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...112-suns-98-scenes-from-the-half-century-mark

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 112, Suns 98: “O-sanity”

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Mama, there goes that man again . . .

In this, my 35th year following the New York Knicks, I’ve seen something I haven’t since year two. That something has given me hope I may sooner than later see something else I never have before: a Knick title. That something’s been on display the past month or so, never more “on” than in New York’s 112-98 win last night over Phoenix.

The 1992 Knicks were the only MJ-era Knicks to win a playoff game in Chicago and take the Bulls to seven games. The biggest reason why was literally the biggest: Patrick Ewing. But what separated the ‘92 team from its forefathers and followers was its small forward, a man who was anything but “small.” The 1989 Knicks featured Johnny Newman. The Pat Riley Knicks generally went with Charles Smith. But for one glorious spring, it was Xavier McDaniel going up against Scottie Pippen. Resume-wise, Pippen wins that matchup in a landslide. But physically, X had him in the torture chamber the whole series.

Champions require players who can lead and players who will never be number one, or even number two, but can be its best player for critical stretches — Toni Kukoč; Tony Parker; Lamar Odom; Andre Iguodala; Jaylen Brown. Even the best Knick teams of my lifetime never had that level of player. John Starks couldn’t carry a team. Allan Houston? Tyson Chandler? No. But OG Anunoby is playing like he can.

The old century would say I buried the lede going this long without mentioning the return of Jalen Brunson to active duty, and that surely was a comfort food experience. But Brunson’s return merely returns the Knicks to the ceiling they’ve held most of Brunson’s Knick career: worthy of entering the ring with the heavyweights, but a longshot to emerge victorious. Mitchell Robinson’s return restored a balance that’s held much of Tom Thibodeau’s tenure: the Knicks can be pretty good on either end. We knew that a year ago, two years, even. So what’s changed?

absolutely filthy stuff from og anunoby right now

— dan favale (@danfavale.bsky.social) 2025-04-07T00:44:36.288Z

That was one of seven shots OG Anunoby taketh and maketh in a 19-point one-man third-quarter explosion, including a perfect quintet of 3s. The eye test and the standard box score are enough for even the blind and the dead to testify to OG’s ascension. The matchup data gives reason to think this can carry forward to the playoffs and possibly push the Knicks past a Boston or Cleveland. Unlike how Kevin Garnett spent his whole career, OG isn’t just picking on little guys.

The Suns played two 7-footers in Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro, as well as defensive prodigy Ryan Dunn, who stands 6-foot-8, same as Anunoby. Anunoby shot 8-of-9 against them. If you’re thinking that’s not much of a first line of defense, it was never meant as such. Phoenix’s primary defender of Anunoby was Devin Booker, a couple inches shorter and 25 pounds lighter. OG made 3-of-5 against him.

There’s going to come a day next month when Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have all canceled each other out, and a playoff game is there for the taking, maybe a series. Charles Oakley was never gonna take over in that spot. J.R. Smith was too busy chasing after Rihanna to take over in that spot. We’ll never know if RJ Barrett takes over in that spot. OG can. He’s shown that he can. Maybe more importantly, in his case, he’s shown that he wants to. Of late that’s taken the form of him relentlessly roasting fools from beyond the arc as well as both on his way to and at the rim.

Maybe next it takes the shape of OG pulling an X-Man to Jaylen Brown’s Pip. Maybe the Knicks face the Cavs and he eclipses Evan Mobley. You can even imagine a Finals where Anunoby outplays Jalen Williams on one end while handling SGA well-enough on the other to pull an Iguodala and win Finals MVP. Sometimes great team defense means taking the hit so everyone else can keep their hands clean. Last night Booker scored 40, most coming against OG, against whom he shot 10-of-15, but while he was winning the battle his team was losing the war; the rest of the Suns shot just 23-of-63 (37%).

So if you’re keeping score at home, the Knicks feature two All-NBA offensive stars and a third player who’s been on a two-way First Team tear for more than a month. Quoth @back: “O-sanity.” Damn right. The magic number to clinch the 3-seed is down to one and the next game is against tomorrow against Boston. Three of the Knicks’ final four games feature teams who don’t have anything to play for, so they should be able to wrap up that third spot and take their foot off the gas a little this last week of the season. Of course, Thibs is in charge, so for the next seven days hold your breath, babes. But if the Knicks do reach the playoffs healthy, be sure to exhale. You’re gonna wanna live long enough to see what this team, including its anonymous highest-paid star, has in store for us.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/4/7/24402950/knicks-112-suns-98-o-sanity

 

[New York Knicks]

The midseason revival of OG Anunoby

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

A rough stretch seemingly stunted a breakout season, only for a phoenix to rise from the ashes.

On November 25, 2024, OG Anunoby had the game of his life in the Mile High City.

40 points. 16-for-23 from the field. 5-for-7 from behind the arc.

A new career-high for the man who has never been asked to lead an offense, it was the defining game of the early-season breakout of Anunoby as a true premier third-option in basketball.

While occurring simultaneously with the growing pains of Mikal Bridges, Anunoby entered the next game against the Mavericks with averages of 19.1 points and 5.4 rebounds on 52.4% from the field and a blistering 42.2% from behind the arc. Combined with his defensive prowess, it wasn’t unreasonable to begin all-star whispers.

And then, he stopped making shots.

Over his last nine games, OG Anunoby is shooting 23.6% from three.

Is his slump a concern for the Knicks? (via @Verts) https://t.co/SkV1g2gRFd pic.twitter.com/svr4OIYJFn

— SNY (@SNYtv) December 19, 2024​

Immediately after the Nuggets game, Anunoby missed 15 consecutive threes over the next three games. While his defense never slouched, his shot had escaped him. With little on-ball reps, his inability to make the shots that became his bread and butter was alarming.

From Thanksgiving to MLK Day, Anunoby played all 27 games the Knicks played. His averages plummeted to 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds on 43% from the field and a ghastly 29% from deep. After the best start to a season of his career, Anunoby was now averaging less than 16 points a night and was shooting just 34% from three, the lowest mark he’s had since Kawhi Leonard was his teammate.

The most concerning aspect was the corner 3. When Anunoby was acquired from Toronto, his specialty was lighting it up from the corner. He shot 44% last season, 45% the year before, and 46% the year before that.

Through January 20, however, he was shooting just 34.9% in the corner, a drastic decrease from prior seasons. Further, he was shooting just 34% above-the-break.

What happened? Many attributed it to fatigue. Anunoby, at the time he suffered a foot sprain against the Lakers in early February, had played 49 consecutive games. It was the most he had played in a row since the 2019-20 season (with an asterisk due to a five-month layoff in-between some of these games). Anunoby’s injury history had always had a silver lining of preventing him from being fatigued, but the workload was wearing on him.

At the time of his injury on February 1, OG had played 1,778 minutes, third in the NBA. He would not suit up again for nearly three weeks, giving him the much-needed rest for the stretch run.

It took Anunoby a few games to round into form, but he would string together some good games as the calendar turned to March. While the Knicks would’ve loved to ease OG into bigger responsibilities, a turned ankle in Crypto.com Arena disrupted any plans they had.

It didn’t happen right away, there were adjustments to be made, but the player who stepped up the most with Jalen Brunson on the shelf was OG Anunoby.

Brunson had already missed two weeks when the lowly Wizards came into town on March 22. By this time, Anunoby was playing well since returning from injury, but it was starting on this day that he began to go supernova.

Although on a very usual diet, Anunoby posted 23 points on just 12 shots, the beginning of a hyper-efficient rise into scoring stardom.

Just as the first Mavericks game began a brutal slump for the 6’7” wing, the second Mavericks game showed a new side of him.

While he would continue to thrive from off-ball cutting, Anunoby began bringing the ball up and having plays designed for him to put the ball on the floor.

He was a different man. He brought the ball up on the final possession of the first quarter, went right at Max Christie, and banked in a floater.

According to NBA.com, Anunoby has only attempted 23 “floaters” all season. This is a different dude.

A guy who had never shown an ability to consistently create his own shot was now driving and finishing over-and-over again.

When the dust settled in the Garden that night, Anunoby had 35 points. His 24 shot attempts were the second most of his career, behind when he dropped 36 on the Knicks on 27 FGA in November 2021.

A different element popped up starting on the 28th against the Bucks: ability to get to the free throw line.

On multiple occasions, he got a steal and was fouled on a strong drive to the basket in transition. Anunoby took ten free throws in this game, tied for a career high.

Three days later, he broke that career high.

The newfound confidence of Anunoby, combined with his extremely underrated brute strength, saw him draw several fouls and shoot a career-high 13 free throws against the severely shorthanded Sixers.

He’s also been pulling out some new moves:

OG Anunoby showing off a bag like we’ve never seen before pic.twitter.com/eX2flcwzUa

— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 3, 2025​

OG ANUNOBY POSTER SLAM

Had the bench UP on their feet!! pic.twitter.com/eztqArRGGU

— NBA (@NBA) April 2, 2025​

"THE ANUNOBY ONSLAUGHT CONTINUES."

- MIKE BREEN pic.twitter.com/T0CA4Cgl9G

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 7, 2025​

What got into this man? In the words of John Wall:

After his most recent 30-piece over the Phoenix Suns, Anunoby now has six 30-point games this season after having just six in his career entering this year.

He now has a career-high 32 games of 20+ points, blowing away his prior high of 20.

OG Anunoby post-ASB halfcourt scoring off the bounce pic.twitter.com/v5GKrDWbJu

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) April 7, 2025​

His shooting has risen from the ashes. Since January 20, he’s shooting 44.2% from the corner and 41% above the break.

In all, since returning from injury in late February, he’s averaging 21.8 points and 5.0 rebounds on a great TS% of 60.9%.

MIKE BREEN BANG pic.twitter.com/RNBkCAkqXJ

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 7, 2025​

Many thought the return of Jalen Brunson would slow down his momentum, but Anunoby seems to have truly moved the needle. He had multiple plays specifically ran for him and was getting significantly more touches.

Prior to Jalen Brunson’s injury, Anunoby was averaging 42 touches per game with an average “seconds per touch” of 1.89.

With Brunson out, he averaged 54 touches per game and 2.24 seconds per touch.

In Brunson’s return? Anunoby was down to 47 touches, but 2.89 seconds per touch.

The offensive leap could be here.

Fairs OG
pic.twitter.com/AhadIPztqJ

— Teg (@IQfor3) April 7, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/4/7/24402790/the-midseason-revival-of-og-anunoby

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks vs. Celtics, April 8, 2025

Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Can the fully healthy Knicks, with Robinson, and a much improved Anunoby, pick up their first win of the season against the Celtics?

It’s been a week since the Knicks lost to the Cavaliers and extended their winless losing streak to the Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics to eight. Tonight, they’ll get their ninth, and penultimate opportunity to win their first game against the top three this season. But this game, even if it ends in a Knicks win, may come with a bit of an asterisk as the Celtics could very well be without multiple key players.

With the Cavaliers just one win away from clinching the first seed and the Celtics locked in as the second seed, there’s a chance that Boston, which has already listed Al Horford as out, and Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jayson Tatum as a game-time decision, takes it easy and rests its starters as it prepares for its defense of the title.

This game, regardless of who and who doesn’t play, will be a key one to keep an eye on for Knicks fans though. If the Celtics do play all, or at least a majority, of their key players, this will serve as the Knicks’ final chance to beat, or at the very least, compete with the Celtics—something they haven’t been able to do often this season.

Boston has yet to see this New York team with Mitchell Robinson, nor have they played against this new version of OG Anunoby. Watching how the aforementioned two play against the Celtics could be a good indicator of whether the Knicks have any chance against them in a seven-game series, especially since they seem to be peaking at the right moment.

The Celtics come into tonight having not only the league’s best offensive rating over their last 15 games, but also the 11th-best defensive rating, and the league’s third-best net rating over that span.

And, even if the Celtics do rest some of their starters, and trot out their B team, Knicks fans will still want to tune in to see if Jalen Brunson, who returned from a near month-long ankle injury on Sunday, can continue to work off the rust and get back in a rhythm. With the regular season winding down, Brunson, and the Knicks only have so many games now to work on things, and get in sync, so they should continue to play their guys, even if their seeding is pretty close to being secured as well.

Prediction​

Last April, the Knicks played a Celtics team that, despite having already clinched the first seed, played its starters. And the Knicks came away with an emphatic statement victory in which they were leading by double digits for the majority of the game after the first quarter. New York, who was led by Brunson, and his 39 points, saw six players score in double-digits and showed that with Anunoby, they were a real potential threat to the Celtics.

Tonight, while under a bit of a different circumstance, is a bit reminiscent of that contest, and could have some similar effects. If this new, and different version of the Knicks can upset the Celtics, then the fans, and even some analysts, maybe ever so slightly more optimistic about the Knicks’ odds of challenging the Celtics in the playoffs.

As mentioned above, we aren’t sure who the Celtics will even run out there tonight. So if they have multiple starters out, I do think that the Knicks, who have been playing some solid basketball could secure a win. With Brunson, Deuce McBride, Cam Payne, and Robinson all healthy again, they, along with OG Anunoby, who is amongst the hottest basketball players on planet Earth right now, have what it takes to beat Boston, especially if hobbled.

In the end though, as these two teams are currently constructed, I just think the Celtics are a really bad matchup. They are a bad matchup for almost any team in the league, to be fair, but Boston has the point-of-attack defense with Holiday and White to make things difficult for Brunson, they have the offensive spacing, and they have the firepower to single out (and pick on) Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as the coaching to continuously force Josh Hart to be a difference maker on offense-something he’s struggled to do against the Celtics. Boston wins 120-115.

Game Details​

Teams: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, 7:30 PM ET

Broadcast: TNT

Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/4/8/24403709/game-preview-knicks-vs-celtics-april-7-2025