The New York Knicks have been on a tear since the trade for forward OG Anunoby, as winners of eight straight following Tuesday’s 118-103 blowout of the Utah Jazz.
That means they are 14-2 in January? Guess the last time they had this good of a month?
How about 1993-94, when Pat Riley was the coach and they advanced all the way to the Finals?
Yes, it’s been that long.
To top it off, today’s Knicks are all also 17-5 at Madison Square Garden. They’ve done all of it without injured center Mitchell Robinson, likely out for the year — and part of it without power forward Julius Randle, who’s due to miss several more weeks with a separated shoulder.
They’ve won each of the past two without not just Randle, but Anunoby.
“One, I think we have a deep team, but two, I think it’s the blueprint that (coach Tom Thibodeau has given us,” said guard Donte DiVincenzo, who scored 30 in the win over Utah. “Guys can step up and play the roles without trying to do too much.
“We have an identity here, and everybody buys in and there’s a joy that we have with our team right now. Everybody is celebrating one another, but also, everyone is holding everyone accountable.”
Are the Knicks for real? They sure are right now. Just like they were 30 years ago this season.
“I knew we were on a trajectory to go forward, and go upward. But I’d be lying if I said I saw this coming,” said guard Jalen Brunson, who scored 29 vs. the Jazz. “It’s just our depth. We have a couple guys out, and when people are called upon they are ready to go. … Whether they’re playing three minutes or 30, they’re ready to go.”
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