New York Knicks lose to the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-99: Groundhog Day

The New York Knicks waved the white flag early, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-99. Minnesota shot 22 of 40 from three, while New York’s offense was stifled.

The game started with a scoring barrage from Jalen Brunson but no production from the other starters. The Knicks couldn’t get going with Karl-Anthony Towns. The much-maligned bench picked things up as Cam Payne exploded off the bench to help keep things close.

Things stayed tight in the third quarter. Neither team could get much offense going. However, the Knicks remained stagnant while Minnesota came to life in the fourth. Three-point defense continues to cost New York.

There isn’t much to celebrate, but let’s vent over the standout performances.

Notable Performances

Two players kept the team afloat

Cameron Payne: 18 PTS (7/10 FG, 4/5 3PT), 1 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL,1 TO in 13 mins

Cam Payne breathed life into the Garden with a shooting barrage that picked up the Knicks’ offense. The bench looked energized and provided some of New York’s best minutes, with Cam leading the way. 

But the boost Payne provided didn’t earn any extra minutes. He barely played in the second half and didn’t see the floor when the game fell out of reach. Payne looked visibly frustrated when he left the game, and I felt the same way.

Jalen Brunson: 26 PTS (9/23 FG, 3/7 3PT, 5/5 FT), 5 AST, 1 REB, 2 STL, 1 TO in 36 mins

The night began with Jalen Brunson draining everything he shot. Brunson’s hot hand carried the offense through the first quarter. He scored 13 of New York’s first 16 points. But then Brunson cooled off, and the Wolves defense turned up.

Once the Wolves tightened things up, Brunson tried spraying the ball around. But his playmaking looked a step slow, or maybe the Wolves’ defense was just that good. Brunson still made shots when he found openings, but he missed more often than not.

I’m not mad, but I’ve got complaints

OG Anunoby: 18 PTS (5/10 FG, 3/6 3PT, 5/6 FT), 3 AST, 10 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 38 mins

OG Anunoby’s numbers are nice, but ten shots aren’t enough when the team doesn’t have Karl-Anthony Towns. Anunoby made threes and drove effectively at times. But his efficiency comes from playing with too much caution to break through the Wolves’ defense more purposefully.

Anunoby’s defense was similarly effective in doses but lacked impact. He had steals, blocks, and deflections throughout the night. But none of it disrupted Minnesota’s passing or rhythm.

Josh Hart: 12 PTS (3/12 FG, 1/5 3PT, 5/6 FT), 9 REB, 3 STL, 3 TO in 38 mins

Effort wasn’t the issue for Josh Hart. He got beat up throughout the night, being hit in the head, shoulder, and nuts at different moments. Hart didn’t shoot well and had a rare, inefficient night inside the arc. But it’s hard to be mad when he fought through so much physicality.

Hart’s defense involved too many gambles. His playmaking never manifested. So, this is easily one of his weakest performances of the season. 

That’s not good enough

Mikal Bridges: 15 PTS (6/17 FG, 3/7 3PT), 5 AST, 4 REB, 1 TO in 39 mins

Mikal Bridges picked a bad night to shoot poorly. The Wolves have a strong defense, but Bridges got to the spots he normally crushes teams from. He simply didn’t convert the shots he typically makes.

Making matters worse, Bridges didn’t have answers for a red-hot Anthony Edwards. Similar to Anunoby, Mikal made defensive stands at times. But he couldn’t withstand Edwards' onslaught.

Precious Achiuwa: 6 PTS (3/10 FG), 3 AST, 9 REB, 1 STL, 3 BLK in 36 mins

Precious Achiuwa started the night hot off the bench. He blocked another shot off the glass and seemed energized by the Garden crowd. But a hot start turned into Precious forcing the issue on offense, while his defensive impact gradually lost its bite.

I can forgive Achiuwa for struggling against a much bigger Rudy Gobert, but the Wolves baited him into taking shots instead of moving the ball. He played into their hands.

More Notes

• Deuce McBride made some plays but missed all four of his three-point attempts. His defensive effort was an improvement over most starters.

• We got a brief appearance from the rookie trio of Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti. But it wasn’t enough time for them to show anything.

• Jericho Sims gets the same note after every start. That’s not enough impact.

Closing Thoughts

Halfway through the season, New York’s inability to defend the three shows no signs of improving. I assumed that Tom Thibodeau would come up with a solution by now, but nothing looks different. The best opposing shooters are open early and often, so they get into an early rhythm. 

One hot hand can undo the Knicks’ defensive scheme. Until the Knicks prove that their defense can stop opposing shooters, they aren’t the contenders they looked like earlier in the season.

The Hawks are next, and if these guys let Trae Young show off on the Garden floor again, I may lose my mind. It’s time for the defenders to step up and show pride. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam.