Photo Credit: Robert Sabo/ New York Post
NEW YORK, NY- The New York Knicks returned home to a banged-up Portland Trail Blazers team to start the first of a four-game homestand.
The New York Knicks came into Madison Square Garden to begin a four-game homestand against a banged-up Portland Trail Blazers team. They took advantage of their injuries as the Knicks took the 128-98 win, snapping their two-game losing streak.
Both teams started the game looking to get a quick lead from behind the arc. However, the ball wouldn’t fall through for either side.
RJ Barrett was one player who was all over the court for the Knicks. After missing his first two shots, he went on a shooting spree. He had a 31 point game, dishing out five assists and picking up four rebounds. It was his 9th 30-PT game this season.
The Blazers would eventually find their stroke, which kept the game close for them in the first half. The Knicks at one point were up by 17, and the Trail Blazers were able to cut it to 8. The Knicks woke up to grow it to 33, their largest of the night.
New York shot 50% (40-80) from the field while Portland at 44% (40-91).
Knicks at MSG
The win for New York snapped their losing streak of the season and ended their five-game home losing streak. To go along with the great game by Barrett, Julius Randle (20), Evan Fournier (14), and Alec Burks (10) finished in double figures in scoring.
Despite Randle finishing with 20, he had an off night from the field. Shooting 5-18. He would find his points from the free-throw line as Portland would struggle to keep him away from there. He went 10-12 at the charity line. Portland committed 31 fouls, whereas New York at 14. The Knicks as a whole took 39 shots from the charity line.
Immanuel Quickly had an 18 point game off the bench, with six assists and five rebounds. Obi Toppin finished with 13 points.
New Look Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers went into the 2021 playoffs as the 6th seed last season. This season, however, hasn’t been in their favor. They currently sit at 12th place in the Western Conference standings. The playoffs aren’t in the rearview mirror for them just yet, but injuries have affected them. With Damian Lillard (abdomen) out since late February, it was up to Josh Hart to lead. Hart came over to Portland on February 8 after the New Orleans Pelicans traded for CJ McCollum. He led the team with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists. To go along with Hart, Brandon Williams (14), Trendon Watford (11), and Drew Eubanks (10) finished in double figures in scoring for Portland.
Up Next
The New York Knicks will host the Washington Wizards on Friday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. EST.
The Portland Trail Blazers will face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. EST.
