On Monday night, the New York Knicks extended their winning streak to nine games with a thrilling 133-131 double-overtime victory against the Boston Celtics. Despite playing without Jalen Brunson, the Knicks managed to clinch the victory on the road. This is the second time this season that the Knicks achieved a winning streak of at least eight games, the first being in December. The last time they recorded two such streaks in a season was back in 1972-73 when they won the NBA title.
Although the Knicks are unlikely to be considered serious title contenders this season, they boast the fourth-best offense and the seventh-best point differential in the league. Julius Randle, the former Kentucky Wildcat, who was the hero of their recent win against Miami, is an All-Star player who has been performing well since the All-Star break. Additionally, Josh Hart has been an excellent addition to the team, and when RJ Barrett is playing to his potential, the Knicks have a formidable Big Three.
The Knicks are a versatile team that can change their pace depending on who is on the court. Immanuel Quickley, another former University of Kentucky star, who started in place of Brunson, had a stellar game against the Celtics and might be in contention for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Quickley played for 55 minutes and contributed 38 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals to secure the victory for the Knicks.
Despite the Knicks blowing a seven-point lead towards the end of regulation, Quickley was instrumental in leading them to victory. The Knicks made a mistake by taking the ball out of Quickley’s hands for a Randle isolation play in the final possession of regulation. Quickley controlled both overtime periods, assisting Hart for a critical 3-pointer and hitting a floater that sent the game to a second overtime.
Although Randle has been a standout performer for the Knicks this season, this game belonged to Quickley. He scored the first five points of the deciding period, securing the lead for the Knicks, who never relinquished it in the second overtime. Quickley’s performance was awe-inspiring, and the Knicks are becoming a legitimate playoff threat with each passing game.
The Knicks roster also includes Mitchell Robinson, a 7 foot center that attended Western Kentucky University.
To see the Knicks remaining schedule go here.
Read: 6 Things Slowly Killing College Basketball
Read: 14 Reasons Cal Needs To Go
Read: Locker Room Lance Leading Cats
Read: Is Chris Livingston the key to the Kentucky Wildcats
