The New York Knicks halted a four-game slide in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, overwhelming the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 at Barclays Center. The 54-point gap is the largest victory margin in franchise history, surpassing the previous record of 48 set in the 1993/94, 1972/73 and 1968/69 seasons. Brooklyn’s 66 points are the fewest scored by any NBA team this season.
“Just seeing us play the way we’re capable of playing,” head coach Mike Brown said after the game. “I don’t know what the score will be every night, but the things we did on the floor—things we talked about, drilled and watched on film—our guys are more than capable. To see them put it together for 48 minutes was a lot of fun.”
Mixed Signals on Karl-Anthony Towns
Trade speculation surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns surfaced earlier in the week, but SNY’s Ian Begley reported that New York is not currently engaged in talks to acquire the Timberwolves star. Contradicting that account, league sources told Newsday the Knicks have explored potential Towns deals with several clubs, including the Grizzlies, Magic and Hornets.
Hart Rejects Report of Players-Only Meeting
Following Monday’s loss to Dallas, ESPN indicated guard Jalen Brunson had called a players-only meeting. Wing Josh Hart disputed the story. “We didn’t have a players-only meeting. Y’all dragging it,” Hart told reporters, according to the New York Daily News. “We talked, but it wasn’t like some big thing. We know we haven’t been playing up to our capabilities, but we’re going to continue to play off this win.”
Clarkson and Yabusele Squeezed Out
Offseason acquisition Jordan Clarkson has effectively fallen out of the rotation, logging two minutes against Dallas and seeing only garbage-time action versus Brooklyn. “Yeah, it could be tough to get him in the rotation,” Brown acknowledged, noting strong performances by Deuce McBride, Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet before Shamet’s injury. Fellow newcomer Guerschon Yabusele is also stationed at the end of the bench.
The Knicks return to action later this week looking to build on their record-setting win while sorting through roster questions and swirling trade chatter.
Source: HoopsRumors
