Gavin Schall here, the host of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Knicks Are Having a Lot of Fun Right Now
Dec 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) react during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones/John Jones-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks showcased their potential in a huge win over the Hornets, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge. His influence was undeniable, as he dominated both offensively and defensively. The team’s synergy was palpable, especially with the contributions of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, who bolstered the Knicks’ confidence and performance on the court.
Team Chemistry and Individual Brilliance
The Knicks’ success wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was a testament to their growing team chemistry. The collective effort made them formidable opponents, and the difference from last season is evident. With Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in the mix, the team has the potential to achieve something remarkable this season. Their teamwork, energy, and enthusiasm were on full display, making it a joy to watch them play.
A humorous moment during the game involved Hart and KAT, who had a playful exchange over a rebound. Hart’s loud declaration of “I got it!” was heard throughout Madison Square Garden after he and KAT had bumped into each other for an earlier rebound, adding a lighthearted touch to the game. Such moments of camaraderie are crucial for team morale and success over a long season.
OG Anunoby’s Defensive Masterclass
OG Anunoby was instrumental in the Knicks’ defensive turnaround, particularly in the third quarter. His stats were impressive, with 25 points, six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Anunoby’s defensive prowess was reminiscent of Mitchell Robinson, as he executed two remarkable blocks on three-point attempts. His ability to disrupt the Hornets’ offense was a key factor in the Knicks’ victory.
Brandon Miller, who had been on a scoring streak, found himself stifled by Anunoby’s relentless defense. Despite Miller’s efforts, Anunoby’s tenacity ensured that the Hornets’ star had a challenging night. Anunoby’s performance was a testament to his athleticism and defensive acumen, making him a standout player in the game.
Mikal Bridges’ Aggressive Play
Mikal Bridges also made a significant impact with his aggressive play. Although his stat line wasn’t the most eye-catching, his presence was felt throughout the game. Bridges’ willingness to seek contact and draw fouls was a refreshing change, as he attempted five free throws, showcasing his determination to play more physically. This shift in his approach is exactly what the Knicks need from him, adding another dimension to their offensive strategy.
Bridges’ ability to adapt and play with increased physicality is a promising development for the Knicks. His efforts in transition, including a powerful dunk and a layup through traffic, highlighted his versatility and potential to be a key contributor moving forward.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks’ performances and strategies, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Precious Achiuwa’s Return Boosts Knicks’ Lineup Flexibility and Depth
Precious Achiuwa made a notable return to the Knicks, contributing modestly with two points, four rebounds, and an assist in 12 minutes. While his numbers might not jump off the page, his presence added significant lineup flexibility for the team. Achiuwa showed no signs of being hindered by his previous hamstring injury, moving confidently on the court. His ability to integrate into various lineups, including playing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, offers the Knicks a dynamic edge. This versatility allows the team to adapt their strategy, whether opting for a bigger or smaller lineup, enhancing their overall gameplay.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- Jalen Brunson’s efficient scoring and strategic rest
- Karl-Anthony Towns’ offensive showcase and playmaking
- Josh Hart’s role in team dynamics and humor on the court
- Precious Achiuwa’s return and impact on lineup flexibility
- Deuce McBride’s development and playmaking opportunities
Dec 1, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick calls a play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at the Delta Center. | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
If JJ Redick had approached the season signalling a measure of outward self-awareness that he, a former player with no head coaching experience and cohost of a podcast with LeBron James, was now head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, things might be different. If Redick had acknowledged that very obvious, and unique to our contemporary basketball moment of athlete-driven media elephant in the room, things might be different. If Redick had at any point, when asked about his new role in scrums wherein he knows the clips and audio of his answers will be immediately and robustly aggregated, balanced out his self-aggrandizing basketball sicko-hood, or answers where he likened head coaching to nothing short of personal destiny, with something like, It’s a learning curve, really anything a hair more measured, things might be different.
Things would not look different. The Lakers made no real structural changes to their roster in the offseason, so the team playing bad basketball now is the same team that was playing bad basketball last season under Darvin Ham (Redick is one game off the 13-9 pace set by Ham last season), but things might be interpreted, or reasoned with, differently. That kind of grace, for a struggling franchise with major conflicting timelines and high-stakes notions like legacy on the line, goes a long way.
There is such a fine line in coaching between collaborative and domineering, confident and arrogant, and many first-time head NBA coaches have learned the hard way what it is to lose a team, and lose them quickly. Nate Bjorkgren went into the Pacers organization not just hot but by many accounts scorching, and was expeditiously fired at the end of his lone year in Indiana. Jason Kidd may have traded in his string of short-lived head coaching appointments (Nets, Bucks — and surprise! — Lakers) for his current and seemingly steady job with the Mavs, but there is no doubt a type afforded the leniency of multiple failures in the NBA, and it tends to be white, male and abidingly faultless.
To Redick’s credit, he has vocally shouldered the blame of the Lakers recent, bad losses. When the team fell to the Timberwolves 109-80 to start the month, Redick noted their lacklustre effort was “looking more and more like it’s not an aberration”, correcting himself from a late-November blown effort against the Nuggets he said was. This week’s impressive loss to the Heat resulted in a two minute explanation from Redick that skimmed the existential and was anchored in the heavy weight of realization.
What’s difficult from here — beyond how the Lakers improve when their offensive energy is sporadic at best and their approach to defence has been to literally stand back and watch — is how to move forward into the long season still ahead, with the base level of competency and pride necessary for a cohesive team to function.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Biz The NBA will return to China in 2025; The first time since team executive Daryl Morey’s 2019 tweet signalled support for Hong Kong independence. (ESPN)
Feel Good Four Raptors rookies make history by playing in two games in one day. (SportsNet)
Analysis The Knicks’ recent focus on basketball IQ is paying dividends. Team strategies and decisions show an insightful understanding of the game. Basketball IQ has become a key component of their success. (Posting and Toasting)
Replay The Knicks dominated the Hornets with a balanced attack, leading to a 125-101 victory. OG Anunoby was a defensive powerhouse, blocking multiple shots. (Posting and Toasting)
Preview The Hornets will go up against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Ticket Booth
Presented by
Pistons @ Knicks
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7:30PM | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | Get Tickets
Knicks @ Raptors
Monday, Dec. 9 | 7:30PM | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON | Get Tickets
Hawks @ Knicks
Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7:00PM | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Ayo Dosunmu’s Big Fantasy Basketball Night
Dec 5, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) looks to pass the ball while defended by San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks dominated the Washington Wizards, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge. Doncic’s 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, alongside Irving’s 25 points, highlighted their commanding performance. Despite a lackluster showing from P.J. Washington, Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie delivered solid contributions. The Wizards’ decision to start Marvin Bagley over Jonas Valančiūnas was puzzling, given Bagley’s inconsistent play. Bilal Coulibaly’s struggles continue, and Jordan Poole’s shooting woes persist, though his minutes remain encouraging.
In another matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a significant win over the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic’s 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists underscored his dominance, despite heavy minutes. Michael Porter Jr.'s defensive contributions were notable, with four steals and two blocks. On the Cavaliers’ side, Caris LeVert’s 21 points and Donovan Mitchell’s 28 points, six assists, and six triples were key to their victory.
The Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Toronto Raptors, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge with 30 points, five assists, and two steals. Cason Wallace’s defensive prowess was on display, contributing two steals and four blocks. The Raptors struggled without Jakob Poeltl, highlighting their lack of depth at the center position.
BBQ Pelican(s): Jalen Brunson And The New York Knicks TORCH New Orleans JALEN BRUNSON STAND UP!!!! The Knicks captain had his best game of the season on a night where the rest of the team struggled and carried them to a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Join hosts Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe for a recap of Brunson’s electric 3rd quarter, the Knicks bench continuing to struggle on offense, Josh Hart’s big comeback and so much more! Don’t miss this engaging analysis of the Knicks’ evolving strategy and their path to success. Tune in for expert insights and in-depth discussions on the team’s journey.
Karl-Anthony Towns Decimates the Timberwolves in His Return To Minnesota As the Knicks Cruise To a W
Alex and Gavin break down the first matchup between the Knicks and Timberwolves in the Karl-Anthony Towns era, as KAT dominated his former team in his old arena. Plus, Mikal Bridges had his best all-around game as a Knick, the defense played as well as it has all season, Julius Randle was more than a little grumpy at the Knicks and his former teammates, and much more on today’s show!
Can Karl-Anthony Towns And The Knicks Knock Off Some Old Friends? With Locked On Wolves Ben Beecken
he New York Knicks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated matchup, with Karl-Anthony Towns’ transition to the Knicks taking center stage.
The boys are joined by Locked On Wolves Host Ben Beecken, to explore Julius Randle not yet being embraced in Minnesota, and Donte DiVincenzo’s ice-cold start before diving into the most surprising parts of Karl-Anthony Towns’ success with the Knicks.
