The Knicks adjusted in the second half to come away with a win, but the pressure of snapping a four-game losing streak made things difficult in the first half.
The New York Knicks snapped a four game losing streak on Wednesday with a 123-11 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Performances by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby powered New York through to the first winning game for the team in the new year and it was clear from how the game began that the pressure the Knicks were under was translating onto the court.
New York fell behind early, being outscored in both of the first two quarters and entering the half trailing by five. The pressure to perform had the Knicks playing frantically and at times, made their defense suffer.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shields the ball against LA Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesA Second Half Turnaround
But, they came into the second half playing like an entirely different team. A 39 point third quarter, the most that either team scored in a quarter that game, flipped the momentum in the Knicks favor and with a newfound confidence, their shots started falling again and their defense drastically improved.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images"For the most part, we played a little desperate tonight. We needed a win," Brunson said (via SNY Knicks). "The way we competed, the way we played, even if we were down in the first half, was Knicks basketball."
Snapping a losing streak is good for the mindset of any team, but doing so in come from behind fashion could be the confidence boost the Knicks need to keep their season rolling.
"Not Being So Result-Based"
Barring the last four games before Wednesday, the Knicks have been playing outstanding basketball. They hold a 24-13 record and still own the first place spot in the Atlantic Division despite their skid. Beating the Clippers may have not been necessary to keep their head above water, but it is crucial to remind the team of what they are capable of and what their brand is.
"Keep believing in the process and not being so result-based. I think the way we played was good tonight, we've just got to continue to play like that and learn from it," Brunson said.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles as LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesBrunson led the Knicks in points in Wednesday's game, but Towns may have been the biggest contributor on the court. He especially went off in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points and drawing fouls to both get himself to the line and keep the momentum in New York's favor.
The Knicks next take the court against the Phoenix Suns on Friday where they'll try and turn a one-game recovery from a losing into the beginning of a winning streak to balance everything out.