New York Knicks win consecutive games against the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls: Starting a new streak

The New York Knicks won games on consecutive nights. First, they came back from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Houston Rockets, 108-106. Then they used a strong second half to beat the Chicago Bulls, 105-99.

The Knicks started strong against Houston, jumping out to a 13-point lead in the first half. But they faded through the second and third quarter, allowing the Rockets to come back by halftime and mount a huge lead. So, the Knicks were forced to turn the fourth quarter into a defensive clinic while Jalen Brunson’s clutch genes took over. The comeback gave New York momentum heading to Chicago.

But fatigue was evident when the Knicks tipped off in Chicago. The Bulls led for most of the first half, while the Knicks hung tight thanks to a great game from Karl-Anthony Towns. New York took off in the third quarter, but squandered their lead in the fourth. The Bulls took a one-point lead before Karl-Anthony Towns made a run, and the Knicks held on to win.

Vs. HOU: 20 PTS (6/12 FG, 0/1 3PT, 8/9 FT), 6 AST, 3 REB, 3 TO in 36 mins
Vs. CHI: 19 PTS (7/19 FG, 1/6 3PT, 4/6 FT), 9 AST, 5 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 36 mins

The Rockets defended Jalen Brunson really well, preventing him from finding a rhythm. He barely shot the ball in the first half and only got going late in the third quarter. But when crunch time came around, the Captain made clutch shot after clutch shot to seal New York’s victory.

Brunson didn’t shoot as well against the Bulls. He’d have had a big night if he’d converted the open three-pointers he got. But the Captain still gave New York enough in the form of additional playmaking and more clutch scoring.

Vs. HOU: 25 PTS (10/15 FG, 3/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 AST, 7 REB, 1 STL, 2 TO in 34 mins
Vs. CHI: 28 PTS (10/17 FG, 5/9 3PT, 3/4 FT), 2 AST, 11 REB, 3 STL, 3 TO

The Knicks’ success against Houston hinged on Karl-Anthony Towns. They made runs when he turned up his defense and attacked with physicality. I mentioned in the recent KFTV roundtable that I’d like to see the KAT attack smaller defenders in the post, and he did exactly that.

Towns’ defensive presence carried into Chicago, though some bigs shot uncharacteristically well from three. Just as importantly, he brought the same aggression on offense and continued a hot shooting stretch. When the Knicks lost the lead briefly in the fourth, Towns scored seven consecutive points.

Vs. HOU: 20 PTS (8/16 FG, 2/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 AST, 2 REB, 4 STL, 1 TO in 40 mins
Vs. CHI: 9 PTS (4/12 FG, 0/4 3PT, 1/2 FT), 2 AST, 9 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK in 33 mins

The toenail didn’t look like a problem for OG Anunoby anymore. He knocked down jumpers early and attacked the basket for success. More importantly, OG’s defense was back to creating chaos. He battled with Kevin Durant and never let the superstar get too comfortable.

OG’s shooting slump continued in Chicago, but he made clutch defensive plays and helped out on the boards to make up for his weak shooting.

Vs. HOU: 2 PTS (1/7 FG, 0/3 3PT), 6 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL, 4 TO in 27 mins
Vs. CHI: 11 PTS (4/5 FG, 1/1 3PT, 2/4 FT), 5 AST, 9 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 32 mins

It’s rare to see Josh Hart struggle as he did against the Rockets. The Rockets had athletes who kept up with Hart in transition, and defenders to disrupt him when he drove in half-court sets.

Hart was much more successful against Chicago, providing tough rebounding and finishing at the rim.

Vs. HOU: 11 PTS (5/11 FG, 1/2 3PT), 5 AST, 6 REB in 31 mins
Vs. CHI: 11 PTS (4/10 FG, 3/8 3PT), 5 AST, 2 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 30 mins

I suppose I just have to accept that Mikal Bridges won’t be as aggressive as I’d like him to be. Bridges shot the ball well enough in both games, and his playmaking can go under-appreciated. But when he makes shots like a clutch three-pointer to close out the Bulls, it makes me wonder why he doesn’t attack more frequently.

On a better note, Bridges’ defense is back to being locked in. He’s disruptive, and I feel like Jose Alvarado’s ball denial has started to rub off on Mikal.

Vs. HOU: 14 PTS (5/7 FG, 2/4 3PT, 2/3 FT), 2 AST in 26 mins
Vs. CHI: 16 PTS (5/9 FG, 4/8 3PT, 2/3 FT), 2 REB, 2 TO in 23 mins

The Knicks lost Deuce McBride, but Landry Shamet has made up for the loss in three-point shooting and overall scoring. Shamet punished double-teams against Brunson better than any other wing against the Rockets, and he shot even better from three in Chicago.

But the beauty of Shamet’s recent success is it’s not just three-pointers. Shamet is beating closeouts off the dribble and showing diversity in his attack.

This is a great way to bounce back from New York’s choke against the Pistons. There’s still plenty to fix, but it looks like KAT has found something. That will make a huge difference if it holds.

I won’t hold you any longer. We’re getting another snowstorm, so be safe, and I’ll see you after the next game, Knicks’ fam!