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New York fends off Indiana’s late rally, welcomes back RJ Barrett
For the first time since November 15, the New York Knicks (23-19) were able to recover from a loss without stringing two defeats together, thanks to a 119-113 win over the visiting Indiana Pacers (23-19) at MSG.
The Knicks had been alternating win and loss streaks for almost two months. After a defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 13, they had never avoided back-to-back losses until Wednesday when they put the Pacers to sleep after sweating a six-point victory at home.
New York built a monster 25-point lead through the third quarter, but Indiana, led by Buddy Hield (31 points), cut the deficit to a tiny two points with 3:10 left in regulation. Considering the Knicks' ineptitude when it comes to holding on to their seemingly insurmountable leads, nobody was that surprised to see that happen.
“We scored 119 points, I’m not concerned about us scoring. What I am concerned about is our defense and not letting up,” coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “A 20-point lead is not safe in this league. If you’re watching the games, you see it.”
Thibodeau also said that “you’ve got to fight human nature,” adding that “you can’t exhale, you gotta keep your foot on people.”
Wednesday’s game marked RJ Barrett’s return to the starting lineup after missing the last two weeks and six games while healing a lacerated finger injured back on December 27 against the Mavs.
“I knew there would be some rust,” Thibodeau said of Barrett’s performance. “But overall, did a good job.”
Thibodeau used Barrett for 41 minutes, the second-most among Knicks players only behind Brunson’s 42. Barrett finished with 27 points, shooting 9-of-23 from the field and hitting 4-of-12 long-range shots while dishing out four dimes and pulling down eight boards.
“I was trying to be aggressive. I’ve been working. I haven’t been just sitting down,” Barrett said. “To be able to go out there with my teammates having confidence in me was huge for me. I was just trying to find some sort of rhythm and be aggressive.”
Barrett didn’t seem to care that much about Thibodeau playing him for 40-plus minutes in his first game back, though, saying that his finger felt “good enough to play” and that he could have played even more minutes had the game and the coach needed that from him. “Whenever you suit up, expect the unexpected. So just do whatever you can.”
Thibodeau reasoned his heavy use of Barrett after the game, saying that through his spell out of commission the Knicks missed him for “the all-around play,” and “the versatility, scoring ability, [getting] downhill, get into the paint, make plays, good size, wing defender.”
“We’re working two guys back into the rotation so it’s gonna be a little choppy. We knew that going in,” said Thibodeau.
Obi Toppin, who returned to the rotation last Monday against Milwaukee, logged nine minutes, scored five points, grabbed a couple of rebounds, assisted on two buckets, and stole one possession from Indy’s paws.
Immanuel Quickley was the man hitting the pine to make room for Barrett in the starting lineup. IQ, playing on a reduced 26-minute reserve role, was good for 11 points scoring on just 1-of-7 three-point attempts. Quentin Grimes remained in the starting lineup playing 30 minutes and putting on a strong, all-around contribution of 18 points, five rebounds, two dimes, and two thefts.
Grimes also hit a deciding three-point shot with a possession left to wrap things up and earn New York their 23rd win of the season. “Once he called my number, I knew I had to be ready,” Grimes said. “And if the pass was coming to me I had to knock it down, and that’s what happened tonight.”
Discussing Grimes’ three-pointer, Brunson said that he thought Grimes “had a layup,” later revealing that Grimes told the team “he wanted a three, so he shot a three.”
“That’s a lot of confidence by [Grimes],” said Brunson.
Mr. Suppossed Wannabe Fake journalist Wally Szczerbiak didn’t have to endure a complete revenge game by Tyrese Haliburton as the Pacers guard was forced out of the game early. He suffered knee and elbow injuries in the third quarter after scoring 15 points in 27 minutes on the court, adding seven assists to that tally.
His opponent at the point, Brunson, led the Knicks in points with 34 while only turning the ball over once completing four assists and grabbing three boards. It can be said that Brunson surely beat his main competitor yesterday, on a head-to-head matchup for a place in February’s All-Star game.
“I feel like I strive to be the best player every time I step on the court,” Brunson said, “first and foremost.”
Brunson has been that player for the Knicks this calendar year at the very least. In New York’s 5-1 start to the year, Brunson leads all Knickerbockers in PPG (33.2) and APG (5.6) while also having the fourth-highest average in RPG (5.2). He’s also keeping up blistering 52.6/50.0/77.5 shooting splits on 22.8 FGA and 6 3PA.
JB thinks his job “is to be a great teammate,” and just “be the best version of myself, help my team win games, and just be a part of something special.”
Julius Randle, the leader Brunson has replaced of late, at least as quarterback and commander, had a night off in the shooting department, going 5-of-12 for 14 points but pulling down a game-high 16 boards.
Mitchell Robinson, the other glass honcho roaming New York’s hardwood, fell one rebound short of dub-dubbing with 10 points on the evening (though he stole five rocks and swatted a couple of shots).
“A win’s a win in this league,” Brunson said, “especially [against] a team that we’re fighting for position with.”
After Wednesday’s win, New York overtook Indiana for the sixth spot in the East, tied with the Pacers but leading their regular-season series 2-0. They have final two games against Indiana tacked onto the end of the season schedule in early April.
“They made the game really scrappy, but we stayed tough and we didn’t let them go all the way and get the win. Proud of that,” Barrett said after the game. “They’re a good team, they’re ahead of us so that’s a good win for us. Leads are never safe, especially with today’s NBA. We have to do a better job when we have a lead to sustain it.”
The win put New York at an even 11-11 record on games played at MSG, thus turning into the only team with a winning record overall but not sitting above .500 at home. That will stay that way until next Monday at least, as the Knicks go on the road for their next two games starting with a visit to the Washington Wizards on Friday, followed by a Sunday trip to Detroit.
chapulana
https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2023/1/12/23551583/knicks-119-pacers-113-a-wins-a-win-in-this-league
By: chapulana
Title: Knicks 119, Pacers 113: “A win’s a win in this league”
Sourced From: www.postingandtoasting.com/2023/1/12/23551583/knicks-119-pacers-113-a-wins-a-win-in-this-league
Published Date: 01-12-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the NBA pay its players?
The NBA's average salary for the 2021-2022 seasons is $7.3million. This figure is calculated using the maximum salary limit of $134million that was set for this year. However, individual players' salaries can vary greatly depending on their experience and accomplishments.
Kevin Durant and LeBron Jam are two examples of superstar players. While rookies can earn as low as $898.310, they can earn as much as $40 million annually. Based on years of experience, veteran players might be eligible for mid-level exception salary ranges from $4.76million to $9.258m. In addition, players can earn bonuses and other incentives through their teams depending on their team's performance.
What is a NBA-specific hybrid contract?
Players can receive higher salaries through the NBA's hybrid contracts. These contracts allow for a portion of the salary to be added to the team's cap and the remainder is paid directly as a bonus to the player. This allows teams to offer higher salaries while still complying with league salary restrictions. Because players can earn significantly more than they would otherwise, it gives them incentive to sign for specific teams.
What is a restricted free player in the NBA?
An NBA restricted free agent is a player who has fulfilled their rookie contract but becomes an unrestricted-free agent. Their rights remain with their former team. In this situation, the team has the right to match any offer sheet another team gives to the player. If they choose to do so, the player must remain with their previous team and honour their existing contract. This allows teams to keep players who are valuable but not able to pay their salary. This type of restricted free agent can give teams valuable flexibility in building their rosters.
What is the NBA Draft, exactly?
The NBA Draft is an annual event in which teams select eligible players entering the league. The NBA Draft is held every June. Each round consists of two rounds. Each team receives one pick. The order in which the draft takes place is determined based on the previous season's records. The lowest team receives the first pick and best teams get the last. During this event, teams can select college players or international players who are at least 19 years old. This is a crucial event for teams, as it allows them acquire new talent and builds their rosters. It is also an excellent opportunity for players to jump from college or international leagues to the NBA.
What year did Bill Russell pass?
"The great ones play when it counts most" -Bill Russell
A legend is a person who lives on forever. Legends die when they stop playing.
However, those moments gave us a glimpse of the greatest basketball players.
Russell was conceived in February 1934. He passed away on July 31, 2022. In only thirteen seasons, Russell won 11 championships with Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell was awarded five MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was an incredible leader and defender who revolutionized the game with his passion for winning.
He made the Celtics a great team and one of the most admired dynasties sports history. He was an unselfish friend and competitor who instilled confidence in his teammates to realize their potential.
Russell has inspired generations of players, coaches, and fans alike. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. You will be remembered forever as one of the best basketball players.
Who is the best basketball player of all time?
This is a stupid question as there are so many exceptional players. Everybody has their opinions. Some of the top contenders would be Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, Kareem, Abdul-Jabbar or Magic Johnson. Each of these legends has made an incredible impact on the game of basketball and has earned their place in basketball history. Each of these legends have their own styles of play, which have been admired worldwide by millions. This makes it difficult to say definitively who is the greatest player ever. We can all agree that these six exceptional players must be on any list of the greatest players of our time.
But, the majority of people agree that Michael Jordan truly is the greatest basketball player of all-time. He was conceived in Wilmington, North Carolina on February 17th 1963.
Jordan started his professional basketball playing with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He soon became one his era's most popular and successful players. Jordan was a six time NBA champion, six -time NBA finals M MVP, five -time NBA regular season MVP. He also served as a 10-time NBA score leader, 10-time NBA second team, nine times NBA all-defensive team MVP, and three times NBA steals leader.
Jordan was also a double Olympic gold medal winner. He was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2009. Jordan is known for his remarkable ability to make plays, score anywhere on the floor, and be a leader both on and off the court. Because of his endless drive and ambition, he will be an inspiration forever to millions.
Jordan's legacy of greatness will be remembered forever. He is without doubt the greatest basketball player in history. Jordan's level of excellence is unmatched by any other basketball player. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest sports figures in history. Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the greatest athlete of all time. His incredible career and achievements will never be forgotten. He was, is, and always will be "The GOAT." The one and only Michael Jordan!
What is the NBA salary limit?
The NBA salary cap is a limit on the salary of each team's roster. Each year, the league sets this limit. It is intended to maintain parity between teams and prevent them from signing multiple high cost players. To sign free agents and make trades, teams must not exceed the cap. They can surpass it if there are certain exceptions such as signing players with Bird rights or offering contracts with player salaries that count against the cap with the rest being paid out in bonuses. The league's salary cap plays an important role in ensuring a balanced playing field between teams.
Statistics
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Teams will Join the Victor Wembanyama Teamathon?
- Latest NBA Intel - Sources Expect Zach LaVine Re-Sign with Chicago Bulls
sbnation.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
sports.yahoo.com
How To
How do players of the NBA All-Star Game get chosen?
The NBA All-Star Game 24 players are selected through a combination fan, media, player and voter voting. Fans make up 50 percent of the vote. Media and current players account for 25 percent. Each group's votes count as one, and each group submits their ballots simultaneously. Each conference's players are chosen by their position (two forwards, two guards and one center). If a player is injured or unable to play due to any other reason, then the NBA Commissioner will select a replacement for that player. The players chosen for the All-Star Game then proceed to compete against each other in a pre-determined game format. The team with the highest points total at the end after four quarters wins is declared the winner. Each year, the charity foundation that awarded the win team receives an additional donation.
The All-Star Game also presents a special award to the most valuable player. As it brings together the best players from both conferences, The All-Star Game has become a very popular event in the NBA. It is a great opportunity for fans to see their favourite players face off and see who comes out on top. The All-Star Game also serves as a showcase for some of the most exciting players in the NBA, and it's an event that fans look forward to every year. With its unique selection process, the NBA All-Star Game is sure to provide an incredible show of talent and entertainment.
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