The New York Knicks snapped their three-game losing streak with a 130-119 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite the win, the Knicks still have a lot to prove, especially after struggling against teams with winning records in recent weeks.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines after the Knicks’ victory, veteran forward Mikal Bridges shared his thoughts on the team’s recent struggles.
“I think losses don’t define everything,” Bridges said. “We’re just more upset how we’ve been playing, you know, our energy and our lack of focus at times. So, if we’re doing all those things and we lose, I think that’s not really a problem. I think it’s just a lack of effort that’s been on us a little bit, and just got to keep getting better at that.”
Despite the Knicks’ recent slide, they found their groove against the Grizzlies. Bridges was among five players to score in double-digits for New York, dropping 24 points. Karl-Anthony Towns secured a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. OG Anunoby had a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Both Landry Shamet (13 points) and Jose Alvarado (15 points) both chipped in on the offensive side of the floor, too.
Knicks fans will undoubtedly hope that Wednesday’s win is a sign the team is turning the corner. However, it will take more than a win over Memphis to convince everyone that New York is ready to what lies ahead in the playoffs.
Josh Hart Recently Called Out The Knicks’ Trajectory
During Josh Hart’s postgame news conference, following the team’s 111-94 loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, March 31, the veteran forward sent a candid message to his teammates.
“We’re not going in the right direction,” Hart said, via Newsday. “We’re not trending upward. So we got to figure it out. Three tough ones. Got another one tomorrow. That’s a must-win for us. And build from there.”
Hart continued.
“We’re obviously struggling right now to win games,” Hart continued. “Struggling to start games off. Struggling to focus on the attention to detail. Struggling to get outside of ourselves and focus on what the betterment of the team is. So tomorrow we have to play with a sense of desperation. Sense of being willing to sacrifice. To win.”
What we saw against the Grizzlies was a great step forward for the Knicks. However, they’ve got to prove that level of performance is sustainable, especially against the better teams in the NBA.
Knicks Need To Show More Physicality
Speaking after New York’s recent loss to the Rockets, head coach Mike Brown noted that his team needs to play with more physicality.
“Yeah, I’m frustrated with that part (the physicality) because, again, I sound like a broken record, I thought we made strides against Oklahoma City,” Brown said, via Newsday. “I’ve got to give our guys credit. We competed. They came out the start of the game and they felt us. But tonight everything was just real easy for them. Especially on the pick and roll. They didn’t feel us at all.”
There was certainly an improvement in that area on Wednesday evening. Hopefully, that’s something the Knicks continue to embrace moving forward.
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