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The New York Knicks trailed much of the game and most of the second half, falling behind a dozen points in the third before a dominant defensive fourth earned them a 92-84 win over the Indiana Pacers. The buzz around this team has been anxious of late, in an ambient sense, like something in the air. Nobody was free from the stink — Tom Thibodeau, Julius Randle, Kemba Walker, the starters. After tonight’s performance, everybody came out smelling a lil’ bit sweeter.
The first hint of light took the form of Kemba, who came out firing — and with flair.
What a move, @KembaWalker. pic.twitter.com/hVGrwuPepB
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
So nice let’s see it twice. After year after year spent watching point guards who couldn’t break down a cardboard box, you deserve to linger on that move.
Too smooth. https://t.co/iVzcGP9dhS pic.twitter.com/WzBlrttkTr
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
There was a conscious effort early to get the ball and the players more in motion. It’s nice to see Randle not pulling up from 3 or shooting a fadeaway, lovely as they often are.
2️⃣-Man game. pic.twitter.com/VX45yFjrxM
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
As long as we’re celebrating beauty...
Signature pic.twitter.com/EmqYsj2S34
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
Obi Toppin calls for this alley-oop with almost psionic precognition.
Get @obitoppin1 pic.twitter.com/Tr6sCEPlIG
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
Let’s double down on the Obi highlights with a double-clutch.
DOUBLE CLUTCH! Okay, Obi. pic.twitter.com/Tv8seSLcxt
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
But as has been the case often this season, the Third Quarter of Doom saw the Pacers rattle off a 13-0 run to take a 12-point lead. Not many bigs go at Mitchell Robinson one-on-one down low and score over him. Not many bigs are Domantas Sabonis.
go to work, Domas @Dsabonis11 | #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/Cs6WRhFbLW
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 16, 2021
The Pacers played some beautiful defense. Like, museum-level beautiful.
Hang this in the Louvre. https://t.co/SFCfiZGWMh pic.twitter.com/8g1a9U3WhA
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 16, 2021
New York began to pull closer and closer late in the third, finally tying it early in the fourth thanks to Immanuel Quickley.
Q U I C K 3️⃣ L Y pic.twitter.com/4eURrgXEkt
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
IQ was terrific, later putting the Knicks ahead.
QUICK IN THE CORNER pic.twitter.com/ryyy3Tmjeu
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
The Knicks used a late 8-0 run to clinch the W, none more exhilarating than Derrick Rose finding RJ Barrett on the break.
RJ GOT THE GARDEN ROCKIN' pic.twitter.com/nL6wiaj5Z4
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 16, 2021
You know how it’s way more fun to read recaps when the Knicks win? This was a super-fun win, even for a win. Bootum has the recap later. Yay fun!
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