The Knicks’ home arena was tense as Julius Randle was ruled out for the playoffs, but a spirited comeback and a crucial win over the Kings lifted the mood at the Garden. Despite falling behind by 21 points in the first half, the Knicks fought back and secured a 120-109 victory, ending their three-game losing streak.
Jalen Brunson shined with 35 points and 11 assists, while Josh Hart had a standout performance with 31 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Donte DiVincenzo added 21 points, including five 3-pointers, as the Knicks improved to 16-14 in games without Randle.
The Knicks are currently in the No. 5 playoff position in the Eastern Conference with a 45-31 record, tied with the Magic. They have six games remaining in the regular season.
With Randle out for the season, Hart and Precious Achiuwa will continue to play significant minutes at power forward. Hart, who was questionable due to a wrist injury, remained in the lineup for the game against the Kings.
Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the team’s collective effort in filling Randle’s absence and praised their response to the challenge.
The Knicks started slow, trailing by double digits early in the game, but managed to close the gap with strong plays from Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Hart. Despite a tough first half, the Knicks showed resilience and determination.
The game remained close throughout the second half, with the Knicks staging a comeback in the fourth quarter. A 13-0 run gave them a comfortable lead and sealed the victory.
McBride and Brunson were instrumental in the Knicks’ comeback, with DiVincenzo’s clutch shooting tying the game in the third quarter. The crowd was energized by the team’s performance and the thrilling moments in the game.
The Knicks maintained their lead in the final quarter, with key contributions from Bogdanovic and Hart. The team’s strong finish secured the win and provided a much-needed boost heading into the final stretch of the season.
