The New York Knicks continued their impressive run, defeating the struggling Washington Wizards 132-101 on Tuesday night, marking their seventh consecutive victory. This decisive win comes just two days ahead of the trade deadline, showcasing the team’s depth and capabilities.
From the outset, the game was dominated by the Knicks, who established a commanding 16-point lead by the end of the first quarter and extended it to 27 by halftime. With a 31-point advantage heading into the final quarter, the Knicks made it clear they were in control. Karl-Anthony Towns highlighted the team’s strong start, stating, “We came out with that third-quarter intensity in the first quarter and it allowed us to dictate the game.”
Towns once again excelled against the Wizards, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds in just 26 minutes of play. He was well-supported by Jalen Brunson, who scored 21 points, along with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, who contributed 19 and 23 points respectively. The Knicks exhibited commendable teamwork, finishing the night with 34 assists—15 more than their opponents—while committing only eight turnovers. Coach Mike Brown praised the players for their unselfish play, saying, “We have a lot of guys who can shoot it and a lot of guys who can put it on the floor and make plays. It’s a lot of fun to see when guys get rolling.”
Despite the dominant performance, the Knicks faced concerns regarding player injuries. Miles McBride’s ongoing ankle issue required further testing, and during the game, both Josh Hart and Mohamed Diawara sustained ankle injuries. While Diawara appeared to be in significant pain and had to be assisted off the court, Hart was seen leaving without a walking boot, indicating that the injuries may not be severe.
As the Knicks improved to a 32-18 record, their defense has been particularly effective during this winning streak. However, the upcoming schedule presents a significant challenge, as they face the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics in quick succession.
In contrast, the Washington Wizards, with a record of 13-36, appear to be in a rebuilding phase. Their recent moves, including trading for Trae Young but sidelining him indefinitely, signify a desire to position themselves for a higher draft pick. On the court, they fielded a young team filled with players in their early twenties, creating an imbalance that was evident throughout the game. The home crowd, largely consisting of Knicks fans, further emphasized the disparity as they cheered for the Knicks and booed the Wizards’ star.
Knicks coach Brown observed, “Obviously, Washington is a young team and the direction they’re going is what most young teams do at this time of year.” Nevertheless, the Knicks’ performance was commendable, and they are optimistic as they continue to build momentum.