Charlotte beat the Knicks fairly and squarely — putting a kabosh on Knick fan enthusiasm. Charlotte raced out to an early lead, the Knicks got back into the game, but Charlotte pulled away in the 2nd half. Here’s why:
1. Knick Guards Couldn’t Shoot Straight
The reason for the loss is all in the boxscore: RJ Barrett 5-18 (0-5 from 3) for 11 pts in 35 minutes. He had 9 rebounds and 5 assists for a good overall game — but you’ve got to hit your shot. And he didn’t. Nor did Immanuel Quickley off the bench — 1-10 from the floor (0-6 from 3) for 3 points in 29 minutes.
Gets it to go with his off hand @RjBarrett6 pic.twitter.com/28I6NuWFF2
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 12, 2021
2. Haywood Looked Worth His Big Contract
Charlotte jumped out to an early big lead in the 1st quarter, due to the fantastic shooting and overall offensive play of Gordon Haywood who looked every bit worth his recently signed massive contract. Haywood finished 11-17 (2-2 from 3, 10-10 in free throws) for 34 points and a +25.
On the other end, Julius Randle had a poor shooting night — 2-9 shooting (0-2 from 3) for 11 points and a -20. He got into foul trouble and only had 5 rebounds (5 assists, 4 turnovers) in 30 minutes. A rare poor performance for Randle.
3. Charlotte Hit Their Shots
Charlotte did not take a lot of 3’s — but hit what they took — they finished 13-22 from 3. The Knicks were 9-37 from 3.
Miles Bridges, whom the Knicks passed on to pick Kevin Knox, was 5-8 (2-2 from 3) for 13 pts and a +11 in 25 minutes off the bench.
Lamelo Ball played 30 minutes off the bench and was 3-13 (2-6 from 3) for 8 pts, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.
4. The Good News
The good news was the play of Kevin Knox — 7-17 as first man off the bench (5-12 from 3) for 19 pts, and 5 rebounds in 29 minutes.
Knox comes in and hits a pair of threes 👌 pic.twitter.com/8gPovdPQeI
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 12, 2021
Elfrid Payton also played well — constant penetrations — he lives in the paint, where he keeps his dribble alive — he was 7-14 (1-3 from 3) for 11 pts, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
EP slices through the defense for the bucket pic.twitter.com/hDdBvBCobL
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 12, 2021
Mitchell Robinson played well — again staying out of foul trouble. He played 33 minutes with only 1 fould, 11 rebounds and 5-5 shooting for 12 points.
Nerlens Noel also played well off the bench — 15 minutes, 5 rebounds and 2-2 shooting for 4 pts, 2 blocks. A recent rumor that he was unhappy with his role and asked the coach to trade him has proven untrue as Noel smashed down the rumor on Twitter.
Oh my 😤 pic.twitter.com/s1GPaEts7y
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 12, 2021
The Boxscore
https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401267309
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