On this particular night, the New York Knicks looked different. They felt changed. They played with more energy and togetherness.
For the first time this season, the 2024-25 New York Knicks appeared to be whole.
Mitchell Robinson‘s return to the lineup resulted in a thrilling 114-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, courtesy of a heroic OG Anunoby 3-pointer with just 5.3 seconds left in regulation.
Containing Ja Morant to finish things
All New York had to do was contain Ja Morant on the other side of the ball. Thanks to Mikal Bridges‘s smart positioning, that’s exactly what happened.
Instead of getting too far ahead of his skies (on his toes)—as he did on the previous possession that saw Morant capitalize—Bridges sagged and forced the star point guard to drive left. Fortunately for the Knicks, his tough lefty finish just trickled off the rim.
Morant, 25, finished with a team-high 25 points, but he wasn’t tremendously efficient. Finishing 9 of 22 from the floor, Morant needed a few too many shots to get his points.
Although he went a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe, Morant did not drain a single 3-pointer all night (on six tries).
Off-ball guard Desmond Bane chipped in with 24 points on 9 of 17 shooting, but he also did not hit on a single 3-point attempt all night (on four attempts).
Jalen Brunson does his clutch thing yet again
Although OG Anunoby received the headlines on this night, it was captain Jalen Brunson who did his usual clutch thing yet again.
Brunson drilled a clutch shot from downtown, giving his team a one-point lead with over 20 seconds remaining.
Then, on the Knicks’ next possession, he drove to his right, ultimately setting up Anunoby for the game-winning shot.
Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points and tied for a team-high with 6 assists (Josh Hart). Anunoby, the hero of the moment, supported his point guard with 17 points and 4 threes.
Mitchell Robinson returns
If not for the late-game heroics, Mitchell Robinson would be receiving all the love. After missing the entirety of the season up to this point, the Knicks big man finally made his season debut.
Robinson’s presence is what provided the Knicks’ with their complete feeling.
Though he didn’t start, Tom Thibodeau wasn’t shy to trust his returning big man during crunchtime. When New York needed a monster defensive lineup in key defensive situations, the lanky center was inserted.
Robinson poured in 6 points on an efficient 3-4 shooting and pulled down 5 rebounds. He played just 12 minutes, but his on-court presence immediately changed the feel and tone of the Knickerbockers lineup.
Next for the Knicks
Still third in the Eastern Conference, at 39-20, the New York Knicks prep for a Sunday road game against the Miami Heat in South Beach. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET.
