This was the worst-best week of the season. From the lows we faced as a fan base to the highs, was something special. There was a point where I was considering I wouldn’t have a competitive sports team to root for until October. As a Knicks-Mets-Giants fan, there isn’t much going on for me outside of the Knicks. If what we feared came true, I would’ve been lost. In all honesty, I think Jalen Brunson should be arrested for what he did there. There was no doubt in my mind that it was a torn ACL. The Knicks season was over in a blink of an eye, but turns out it was just a minor boo-boo. Brunson only had to miss one game, and in the 95 minutes the Knicks played without Brunson, the Knicks went 1-1.
It was a gutsy performance by New York against Cleveland. Despite the multiple people in the Cavs organization saying their game plan was thrown off because of an injury that happened on the Knicks, the Knicks were able to come out of Cleveland with a dub. We are seeing so many players step up at a time when the Knicks need it, and no other player has stepped up more than Josh Hart. Hart started the season a little slow, and there was some discourse going around Twitter about this. But these last few weeks, Josh Hart has been a hoss for the Knicks. Since the Knicks returned from the All-Star break, he is averaging 16.5 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.9 APG, and 1.1 SPG. Hart’s contribution has been massive, even if the Knicks record hasn’t been the best in that stretch. Hart’s hustle is one of the best in the league, but so is his asshole-ness.
For the other games, I don’t need to discuss the Hawks game. The Knicks never stood a chance with all the injuries they faced that game, and of course, they got destroyed. They would then play the Magic and, FINALLY, get their first win of the season against Orlando. The best part was that we didn’t have to see that damn tik tok they always post, pointed out by Josh Hart, even though I do enjoy the song. Jalen Brunson returned to the lineup after only missing one game, and the Knicks killed the Magic. Only giving up 75 points in today’s NBA is insane. The Knicks’ defense never gave up, seeing big contributions from Precious Achiuwa and his career high, five blocks. It was a great game as the Knicks move back into 4th place.
Another player that deserves a shoutout is Deuce McBride. From the bottom of the rotation, barely playing any games, to becoming the full-time backup point guard. He had a difficult role trying to replace Immanuel Quickley but has done a phenomenal job doing so. Deuce has been fantastic for the Knicks and might have had the highlight of the year.
Weekly Grades:
Knicks: B+
Jalen Brunson: A-
Isaiah Hartenstein: B
Donte DiVincenzo: B+
Josh Hart: A+
Precious Achiuwa: A
Deuce McBride: B+
Jericho Sims: B
Bojan Bogdanovic: B
Alec Burks: D
Now, let’s see what the Knicks have up next for the coming week
The Knicks are missing their second Saturday game in a row, which feels like it hasn’t happened all season long. They will instead play another primetime Sunday game, this time against the 76ers. The Knicks are undefeated against Philly this season, and I don’t see why New York doesn’t win this game as well. Without Joel Embiid, the Sixers are in limbo, and the Knicks should take advantage of that. Also, the Knicks could see the return of OG Anunoby. If OG can return against Philly, it’s a definite win, but it is suspected that OG can return this week. It would suck not to see OG be able to return, but he can always return in our next primetime against the 76ers at MSG, which happens to be *checks notes* this Tuesday. The Knicks play two straight against Philly this week to round out their season series. This may be shocking, but I don’t have much more to add to this game. Finally, New York will play four straight games on the west coast, starting in Portland. I’m sorry if this offends you, but I have not been paying much attention to the 17-45 Trail Blazers. I know they have Scoot Henderson and Jermai Grant. That’s about it. As long as nothing catastrophic happens, New York will beat Portland with ease.
Until next time, let’s go Knicks!
SmallDog Sports 
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