The Knicks rise above the water against the Clippers

The beginning of the game was not encouraging for the Knicks, with 7-0 for the Clippers and almost three minutes without a basket. It’s time to warm up the machine, which will react then, even if with nine points in a row James Harden ends the first quarter strongly and puts Los Angeles in control (27-31).

Myles McBride is New York’s most effective player, while Karl-Anthony Towns pushes and spends more time complaining than scoring goals. Kawhi Leonard is gaining confidence and making baskets. Entering the locker room, the Clippers are still in control (51-56).

Contested strength in the second half, because if Ivica Zubac shines so much, it is because he takes a lot of offensive rebounds. The Californians miss a lot of shots and it starts to pay off, the Knicks come back and eventually go ahead (90-87). “KAT” is finally back to his match and it’s hurting him, while Tyronn Lue’s troops are barely firing anymore. Then Gershon Yabusele appears, with his intensity, and the Knicks run to victory (123-111), ending a streak of four straight losses.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Karl-Anthony Towns gained momentum. In the first period, it was KAT on bad days: too grumpy with the referees, forcing shots and remaining ineffective. His frustration showed on his face and demeanor. This will continue to be the case in the second half, but the Knicks interior will focus more on the play and less on the whistles they hope for. He will finally score points and bring something to his team. He finished with 20 points (6/18 shooting), 11 rebounds and 7 assists.

– Gershon Yabusele’s good intentions. The Frenchman was allowed 13 minutes, he took full advantage of it. For a symbol: his attempt to publish about Ivica Zubac. Aggressive, he scored 8 points, all in the second half, which worked in favor of New York, confirming the victory in the last act.

– Clippers awkwardness. Los Angeles didn’t need much to win. Just a little skill, because Kawhi Leonard and his gang had open shots. Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum and Brook Lopez had good positions, but there were too many misses and Zubec’s offensive rebounds couldn’t save everything.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.