After a hot start, the Knicks slip by the Bulls 107-103 in Chicago.
I want to welcome you all to the first of many Knicks Nation post-game recaps. While it may be rough for a bit, we will slowly figure out an excellent structure for these pieces. To lose this game would've been painful. With a fantastic effort for most of the night, the wheels nearly came off half-way through the 4th quarter. Though the Knicks couldn't buy a bucket the entire 4th, especially in the last couple of minutes, the Bulls struggled as well. While this one almost slipped away, it was undoubtedly a big win with the Knicks reeling as of late.
The game started blistering hot for the Knicks, not only on the offensive side of the ball but also on defense. Going into the 2nd quarter with a 17 point lead certainly doesn't hurt your chances for slipping back into the win column. If you're still out there doubting Randles 3-pt percentage and whether or not it's sustainable, well, news flash. Randle was 11-20 from the field and 5-7 from downtown. Julius finished with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
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Though RJ struggled late in the game, he still ended the night by shooting 50% from the field while accumulating 17 points and seven boards. Even with his late struggles, his finishing around the rim has been incredible, with tonight being no different. He was out for revenge this season after the rookie team snub last year, and he's certainly not backing off anytime soon.
I have to give Elfrid Payton some credit. For as much hate as he gets from the fan base, he did start hot tonight. He was getting to the rim and distributing the ball well, and though he didn't finish strong, he's a reason we won this game. Quickley hit a couple of absolutely huge threes late in the game at times when the game was slipping away. IQ looked a bit lost on the ball in this one, but you can tell he's getting there.
Overall it was a much-needed win. The team looked good for 3 quarters, and hopefully, forgetting most of that 4th quarter, they can carry the momentum forward. Most of us want to see this team at least make that play-in tournament (playoffs, anyone?), and 10-13 looks a lot better than 9-14. Up next, after 48 hours off, the Knicks host Melo and the Blazers at home in Madison Square Garden.
