Without Jordan Poole, hero of the victory against the Hornets, the Wizards start this game well, with a 12-3 to start. The Knicks rely on Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to respond to Justin Champagnie (33-32). Except that the interior of New York, as often, quickly takes two fouls and finds itself targeted in defense. He compensates in attack and the second quarter is a long exchange of baskets (60-60).
After the break, Jalen Brunson heats up again. He is in a duel against Bilal Coulibaly, who does what he can to respond to him in attack and also contain him in defense. As Mikal Bridges is clumsy in the corners at 3-points and the Wizards go 12-0, Washington takes the lead before the start of the last quarter (98-90). Faced with “KAT” baskets, it doesn’t hold up. Alexandre Sarr and company must make a new effort to be in front. But this time, it's Brunson who equalizes and Coulibaly misses the match point. We go into overtime (119-119).
The Wizards then falter, particularly in defense with poorly defended transitions which offer easy baskets to the Knicks. Moreover, in the last seconds, while they were three points behind, Tom Thibodeau's troops played very well by making a mistake, to give two free throws and not risk a sanction behind the arc. It's smart and it pays off with a 132-136 victory for the Knicks.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Outstanding performance from Jalen Brunson. With 55 points, including 9 in overtime, the Knicks playmaker had a superb match, as well as his season record. And almost without forcing since he finished with 18/31 shooting, including 3/11 at 3-points and 16/17 on free throws. Perfectly assisted by Karl-Anthony Towns (30 units), he did not tremble when it was necessary to score the important baskets and free throws. A boss match to get out of a trap encounter.
– Justin Champagnie’s great outing. If Bilal Coulibaly and Alexandre Sarr showed themselves again (30 points between them), the best player of the Wizards was clearly Justin Champagnie. How can we say the opposite? He had his best career game with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Above all, he finished with an almost perfect 13/15 shooting, including 5/6 at 3-points. Clean and well placed, he always offered an offensive solution to his team, which needed it being deprived of Jordan Poole.
– The Knicks series continues. It was tough and it took 55 points from Jalen Brunson and overtime, but New York is the team in the best shape in the Eastern Conference. With seven wins in a row, no one is doing better at the moment even if Cleveland is just behind with six wins in a row. And that could continue for a few more days since there is a rematch against Washington and a meeting against Utah on the program.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
