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The New York Knicks send off the Detroit Pistons with ease as they enter the All-Star break on a massive hot streak.
The New York Knicks enter the All-Star break with a winning record for the first time since 2013. It’s also the last time the franchise made the playoffs
The Pistons had no answer for Julius Randle or RJ Barrett. The pair combined for 48 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists. When Barrett shows up, the Knicks have a dynamic one-two punch offensively.
The Knicks have won four of their last five and eight of their 11. Here are three highlights and three observations of New York’s 114-104 victory over Detroit on Thursday night.
Highlight 1: RJ Barrett Dishing
RJ Barrett tied a season high with five assists against the Pistons. He is a goalscorer above all, but he also knows how to find his teammates pic.twitter.com/POfMIP66f8
– Danny Small (@ dwsmall8) March 5, 2021
Highlight 2: Frank Ntilikina Swishing
Frank Ntilikina caught fire three times in the first half. He’s 13-21 (61.9%) deep this season … pic.twitter.com/2cw9KzEy5o
– Danny Small (@ dwsmall8) March 5, 2021
Highlight 3: Julius Randle Block
It could be one of the Knicks’ best games of the entire season. Julius Randle with a block on the weak side after Pistons had a 4-3 break, preventing them from reducing what had been a 20-point deficit to 8, then an exit to RJ Barrett for the dunk. pic.twitter.com/nE9kkoWKMG
– Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) March 5, 2021
Observation 1: professional victory
It was the team playoff type victory. The Knicks asserted themselves early and fought off every Pistons push from there. The Knicks haven’t won this game as easily and maturely in recent years.
And add the fact that the Knicks were blown away by the San Antonio Spurs two nights ago and this win is starting to look more and more impressive.
The Knicks play playoff basketball as they enter the All-Star break. Knicks fans will finally have meaningful games to watch in March, April and May.
Observation 2: RJ Barrett percolating
RJ Barrett knows all the ups and downs of a typical 20-year-old in the NBA, but right now he’s in top form. In his last four games, Barrett has averaged 20.3 points on 57/57/72 shootouts.
He doesn’t take a lot of three-point attempts, but he does the ones he does. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau spoke to reporters about the work Barrett put into his shot and how he is helping open the game for himself and others.
“His preparation gives him a lot of confidence,” Thibodeau told reporters during the post-game Zoom call. “[Shooting] is something we want him to keep doing, and he’s always had the ability to come down, that puts a lot of pressure on the rim. He does some good rim readings, but I think the way the ball shot has really opened up a lot for us now.
Observation 3: Frank Ntilikina makes an effort
The Knicks’ crowded backcourt is getting a bit more crowded. Frank Ntilikina makes a strong case for retaining his place in the rotation when the team returns from the All-Star break. The Frenchman is making full use of his opportunity after Elfrid Payton missed time due to injury and Derrick Rose was held up due to health and safety protocols.
Ntilikina is 13 for 21 from beyond the arc after nailing all three attempts on Thursday. The fourth-year goaltender has scored 22 points on 11 shots in his last two games.
While Ntilikina can continue to space the floor with all three, he’s doing more than enough on defense to ensure a consistent place in the rotation.
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