This week, the Knicks went 2-2 in their games, with big performances from their star players. They now sit in sixth place in the eastern conference with a 14-11 record, just half a game behind Miami for the fifth spot.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, RAPTORS VS KNICKS
The Knicks were able to top the Raptors 136-130 at home behind 34 points from Julius Randle on 66 percent shooting. He was assisted by RJ Barrett, who scored 27 points on the night, and Jalen Brunson, who added 21 points. The game was thoroughly close for most of the contest until the Knicks pulled away late to win the game by six points. They shot 60 percent from the field and nearly 59 percent from behind the arc.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH, KNICKS VS JAZZ
The Knicks fell to the Jazz 117-113, even with Randle amassing 32 points and 12 rebounds on 60 percent shooting from the floor. Brunson added 23 points in the loss. This game was the complete opposite of the former in shooting, with the Knicks shooting 43 percent from the floor and 23 percent from three. They also were outrebounded 53-46 and lost the assists battle 31-21.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, KNICKS VS SUNS
The Knicks beat the Suns in a thriller 139-122 behind a career-high of 50 points for Jalen Brunson, going 9-for-9 from behind the arc. Brunson scored 35 points in the second half, dishes five assists, and had five steals. Put on a court with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal (until injury), he was the best player on the floor. It was a close game through three quarters, but in the fourth period, the Knicks won the frame 42-23 to secure the road victory.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, KNICKS VS CLIPPERS
Lastly, the Knicks fell to the hottest team in the NBA currently, the Clippers, who are on a seven-game win streak, 144-122. Brunson cooled off, coming off a career-high of 50 points to only score 22 points, just like running mate Randle. The Knicks were outscored in every quarter and were thoroughly outplayed all night. They could stop Kawhi Leonard, who scored 36 points, going 12 of 16 from the field.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Knicks will now look to rebound against the Lakers on Monday night. It is the first meeting between the two teams and will be a pivotal matchup for the Knicks to keep pace in the Eastern Conference race.