The Knicks hand the Heat a 98-96 win as the offense implodes in the 4th quarter
Game Flow
After a slow start from the first group out, the second unit came out hot, extending the lead to 12 with brilliant play from the new acquisition, Derrick Rose. His first assist in his second stint as a Knick was to none other than Immanuel Quickley. For those concerned about him taking away minutes from IQ, it seems that shouldn’t be an issue as they checked in together for his first appearance with the team this season.
After an up and down half with both teams shooting well from beyond the arc, the Knicks trailed 55-57 heading into the 2nd half. While there were some solid moments, the wheels ended up coming off on the offensive side of the ball once again. The Knicks were ice cold in the 4th and couldn’t have traded Madison Square Garden for a timely bucket. Very tough to watch during that last quarter of play as they handed the Heat an undeserved victory.
Knicks Bright Spots
I have to start with Derrick Rose on this one because the former MVP came out firing on all cylinders, showing exactly why the trade for him was made. He’s a true point guard that has gradually gotten better at shooting the ball and makes the right play almost every time. One underrated aspect of Rose is that he’s comfortable in any situation Thibs puts him in, bringing much-needed versatility at the guard spot. He ended his night with 14 points and 3 assists to go along with a block and steal.
The big guys were on point tonight. I know I give Nerlens Noel a hard time on occasion, but it’s all in good fun. He’s an outstanding defender, and tonight, he and Mitchell Robinson dominated the paint for the Knicks (with some help from Julius). Between the two centers, they tallied a whopping 4 steals and 4 blocks on the evening.
There wasn’t much else positive to take away from this one as Julius, RJ, and Quickley all struggled mightily throughout the night. A reliable performance from one of those three guys and the game looks drastically different.
Up Next
The Knicks leave Miami and head for Washington, where they take on Beal and the Wizards this Friday after a couple of days off. The Wizards have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NBA this year and have struggled to get anything positive going. This contest could be a perfect game for the Knicks to get back on the winning track.