Takin’ Care of Business: Knicks win Third Straight

The New York Knicks won their third game in a row, improving their record to 3-3. The team delivered back to back blow out performances against both the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a hard fought game against the Denver Nuggets, the Knicks added another win to their record, giving fans something to get excited about.

It goes without saying, but Kristaps Porzingis has been dominant. He delivered a season high in scoring on Monday night with 38 points. The 7’3 star also added 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. His early high level of play can only be matched by the support he received from guys like Kyle O’Quinn, Enes Kanter, and Jarrett Jack through the these last three games. Each of those players performed relatively well against the Nuggets, greatly contributing to the win. Tim Hardaway Jr., however, did not contribute another 34 point game. He was able to add 11 points with four rebounds, three assists, and three steals to the Knicks winning endeavor. Frank Ntilikina, still new to the professional basketball life, is slowly acclimating himself into the team’s flow. Fans still need to be patient with him as he finds his stride on the offensive side of the ball.

Aside from a slippery third quarter, the Knicks controlled the game both offensively and defensively, beating yet another opponent on the boards by a wide margin. Turnovers seemed to get away from the team this time around, but 18 combined steals and blocks made up for the team’s lack of ball control. Efficiency was once again a key factor in the victory with the Knicks shooting 50 % from the field. Overall, the Knicks had another solid game resulting in a great win for New York.

Yes, three straight victories are not much in a long season. Yet, a deeper look reveals that the Knicks are winning because they are playing to their strengths. Three games in a row the Knicks controlled the boards and kept tempo offensively and defensively. Three games in a row the Knicks won, two of which by rather large margins. Without a doubt the performance of Kristaps Porzingis must be factored in, but together the Knicks are finally learning how to play together. If the Knicks can keep up this kind of effort they may be able to make name for themselves not only in the East, but throughout the league.