The Knicks extended their win streak to five games with an offensive outburst in Indiana with a 138-129 victory over the Pacers.
Here are the takeaways…
1. Without the team’s top scorers in Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett, the Knicks turned to their size to provide the offense. Mitchell Robinson and Obi Toppin combined for 17 points in the first quarter. Robinson’s defense continued to make an impact as well with four blocks. In the backcourt, Immanuel Quickley stepped up from the perimeter as the Knicks peaked on the strength of a 17-0 run.
Defensively, New York held Detroit to just 25 percent to begin the game. As their shooting improved, the Pistons tied the game at 44 after a 21-12 run early in the second quarter on 48 percent from the field as the Knicks once led by 16.
2. After the resurgence from Detroit, New York responded with an 8-0 run to regain the lead. This time, it was New York’s guard play that paced the Knicks in the second quarter. At the half, Quickley and Quentin Grimes posted 18 and 16 points respectively on a combined 13-22 from the field. Toppin knocked down a three-pointer at the buzzer to give New York a three-point lead heading to the second half. Both teams shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc in the first half.
3. Both teams continued to shoot the ball way into the third quarter. The Knicks and Pacers played even in the third quarter. Toppin continued his quality night from the field shooting over 50 percent from the field while Quickley posted his fourth game with over 30 points on the season.
4. With every New York run down the stretch, Indiana continued to punch back to keep the game within a possession by opening the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run. Indiana offered a diverse scoring attack with eight players in double-digit scoring as Jalen Smith led the way with 19 points.
Rebounding continued to make an impact at the size of Toppin and Robinson played a major role in the game. New York finished the game with a 52-37 rebounding advantage.
5. After trailing midway through the quarter, Toppin and Grimes powered the Knicks back to a seven-point lead with three minutes remaining. The run allowed New York to pull away for good in a 138-129 win.
With three major scorers out, Wednesday’s game allowed the Knicks to analyze potential depth and how to use them in the postseason even with a shorter bench.
For just the third time in team history, the Knicks featured three 30-point scorers in a game with Grimes (career-high 36), Quickley (39) and Toppin (32) as the trio combined for 107 points.
Highlights
What’s Next
The Knicks head to New Orleans on Friday night for the final road game of the regular season against the Pelicans. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.