New York Knicks win one, lose one against the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies: Worrisome trends, but a hopeful finish

The New York Knicks split back-to-back games against the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. They were blown out by the playoff-bound Rockets, then crushed the tanking Grizzlies.

The Knicks lost to Houston from the opening tip, losing 111-94. The Rockets were up by double-digits before New York had a field goal. The Knicks looked sluggish on both ends, and while they still had opportunities to mount a comeback, that was never enough to inspire confidence. Their defense wasn’t reliable enough, and they missed too many open looks to avoid getting blown out.

Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson, and Deuce McBride rested against Memphis, but the team still handled business, winning 130-119. The Grizzlies looked the part of a tanking team, and it doesn’t do much to make up for New York having lost its past five games against opponents with winning records. But some players got rest, and the others found their rhythm.

Let’s have a closer look at the Knicks back-to-back action through player performances.

Vs. HOU: 22 PTS (7/17 FG, 2/4 3PT, 6/8 FT), 3 AST, 8 REB, 1 TO in 34 mins

Vs. MEM: 20 PTS (8/12 FG, 4/5 FT), 11 AST, 11 REB, 1 BLK, 7 TO in 29 mins

The Rockets schemed to keep the ball out of Karl-Anthony Towns’ hands. They denied passing lanes to his cuts and always had help defenders nearby when he posted up. KAT was visibly frustrated, and outside of a nice burst in the second half, he was kept at bay.

Memphis didn’t have anyone over 6’9 to guard Towns, so he feasted. Towns dominated the paint, then threw perfect dimes when help defenders came over. He made his triple-double look easy.

Vs. HOU: 12 PTS (5/14 FG, 1/5 3PT, 1/2 FT), 8 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 37 mins

Vs. MEM: DNP

It looked like Jalen Brunson was getting back to 100% over his recent run of games. But he took some lumps against Houston and looked a step slow for most of the night. He missed open looks, struggled to get separation, and didn’t rotate well defensively.

To Brunson’s credit, he found cutters inside for some nice assists. But whether it was his ankle or the Houston defense, he made more mistakes than normal.

Brunson didn’t play in Memphis due to ankle soreness.

Vs. HOU: 8 PTS (3/9 FG, 2/8 3PT), 6 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK in 38 mins

Vs. MEM: 25 PTS (8/17 FG, 4/8 3PT, 5/6 FT), 3 AST, 13 REB, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO in 40 mins

OG Anunoby had one of his worst games of the season prior to this back-to-back. He was better against Houston, but still shot miserably, missing golden opportunities from three.

Anunoby reset his offense against Memphis with an inside-out approach. OG’s early field goals came right in the paint, and the rest of his points came from free throws. Anunoby’s jumper stayed cold early, but he got it going late.

Vs. HOU: 12 PTS (5/6 FG, 2/2 3PT), 2 AST, 1 REB in 12 mins

Vs. MEM: 15 PTS (6/12 FG, 1/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 32 mins

The Knicks were energized the moment Jose Alvarado hit the floor against Houston. New York looked shell-shocked, but Alvarado quickly hit a three-pointer and drove for more points. GTA gave the team a major boost on an otherwise rough night.

Alvarado’s chemistry with KAT was on full display against the Grizzlies, particularly in the third quarter. He got into the paint and scored frequently, while moving the ball freely when teammates got open.

Vs. HOU: 7 PTS (3/4 FG, 1/2 3PT), 4 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 34 mins

Vs. MEM: 24 PTS (9/15 FG, 3/9 3PT, 3/3 FT), 1 AST, 2 REB, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 36 mins

The Rockets defended Mikal Bridges well, and one thing New York’s wing is not going to do is force shots. So, he barely shot the ball.

But Mikal found his aggression in Memphis. He attacked the rim and finished dunks and layups in traffic, while making his three-pointers at a steady clip. It was his first 20-point night in a month.

Vs. HOU: 13 PTS (5/12 FG, 1/6 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 AST, 5 REB, 3 TO in 29 mins

Vs. MEM: 5 PTS (2/4 FG, 1/2 3PT), 6 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 25 mins

Josh Hart showed competitive energy against the Rockets that was sorely lacking from some others. But his jumper was off, and that allowed his defenders to cheat toward the middle and muck up the offense for KAT and Brunson.

Against Memphis, Hart didn’t have to shoot much with the rest of the Knicks rolling. But he made contributions on the glass and as a playmaker anyway. With his team winning comfortably, Hart got to rest early.

At least they ended on a high note. Beating the Grizzlies won’t excite anyone, but seeing good ball movement and shots falling is a start. Of course, that doesn’t change the Knicks losing their last five games against playoff-caliber opponents.

But I remember having similar concerns with New York last season, and they rose to the occasion when the playoffs rolled around. The team is on the verge of being fully healthy, and we’ve seen them reach higher peaks before.

So let’s get ready for the home stretch of the season, and I’ll see you next time, Knicks’ fam!