Knicks, one game and here we go again?

After four straight losses and as many as 9 losses in 11 matches, then the Madison Square Garden whistle against the Mavericks, Nix he no longer had the right to make mistakes. On Wednesday, in the New York derby against Networksthey had to show a completely different face. Mission accomplished and in style: a colossal success of 54 points (120-66), the franchise record is in question. This time, the NBA Cup winners showed seriousness for 48 minutes, on both sides of the floor. The kind of service that is necessary to stop a bad situation.

Facing one of the toughest teams in the league, Mike Brown’s group had a lot to gain… and a lot to prove, most of all to themselves. Unrecognizable in the game, unable to reach 100 points in the last two losses at home, the Knicks had to attack Brooklyn aggressively and intentionally. The message was received five of five: 38-20 in the first quarter, finished on 14/20 shooting, with 9 assists for one turnover.

“We had to set the tone, and quickly, from the very beginning”, insisted Karl-Anthony Towns during his postgame press conference. “It wasn’t just Jalen Brunson and I (18 points between them during the period, editor’s note): the whole team was ready to take on this challenge, to implement our game and be aggressive.”

No player meeting, but an update

This start reflected a much more fluid ball circulation, true to the offensive identity that Mike Brown has sought to establish since his arrival. “Everything starts from our rhythm”analyzed by Jalen Brunson. “Obviously defending well and running helps, but our pace in attack was very good. The ability to break the racket creates situations. We read the game very often tonight. Focusing on these important details allows us to play more freely in attack, without thinking about other things. This is very important for us. »

The Knicks, however, could be parasitized by ambient noise, fueled in recent days by commentary and rumors that return as soon as New York moves through the turbulence zone.

To set things straight, the team conducted a form of introspection. “No, there was no meeting between the players”however, he cut Josh Hart short. “I don’t know who said that. We talked among ourselves, but not in this way. We know what we have to do. Yesterday we partially worked on the tape, and today again.”

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A reaction of pride and pride

On the field, this clarification was especially visible in defense, where communication seemed much tighter than in recent outings. There was also a question of ego and pride, 48 hours after the whistle from Bašta.

“It’s not just Monday’s game, it’s every game”Karl-Anthony Towns recalled. “It really upset me that we didn’t give our fans a reason to applaud. We love our fans and we want to give them something to support us. We understand that the expectations were high at the beginning of the season. If you win the NBA Cup, they go up again. But we didn’t live up to those expectations and it’s disappointing for everyone in the locker room.”

“We have good guys”Josh Hart continued. “Everyone has taken responsibility for their part in the way we’ve played recently. We’re going to make this team something we’re proud of – and something the city is proud of.”

Validate against other opposition

A historic 54-point deficit should, at least temporarily, put some salve in the heart of Madison Square Garden. Karl-Anthony Towns puts things into perspective: “Whether it’s 54 points or just one, as long as it’s a win…”

Mike Brown mostly memorized the content. “I saw that we play the way we are capable”he rejoiced. “I don’t know what the result will be every night, but what we did on the field, what we talked about, what we worked on, analyzed on video… To see them do it for 48 minutes was a real pleasure.” Josh Hart insisted on the collective dynamic: “It’s fun because everyone’s involved, everyone’s scoring, and defensively everyone’s contributing. When you have a match like that, it’s always good. I hope this gets us back on track. We have to build on that.”

It remains to keep a cool head: Brooklyn delivered a no-game and does not play in the same league in which the goal of New York. This 13th straight win against the Nets – a rival that hasn’t been in a few seasons – has to be a starting point, not an end in itself. “Losing four times in a row is better than getting everyone back on the same page”by the hammer of Karl-Anthony Towns. “I’m very happy that everyone saw what was going on and that we realized we had to stop the bleeding. Consistency is what makes champions. We have to find that consistency in intensity, energy and execution, every night.”

“We had to refocus and get back to who we are”summarized by Jalen Brunson. “It’s a good step forward, but we have to continue to communicate to move forward day by day.” The next test is Saturday in Philadelphia, against a team that has already beaten New York in the first two meetings of the season.