Knicks 134, Wizards 106: Scenes from an offensive masterclass, never in doubt

The Knicks came out firing. Then they fired some more.

The New York Knicks (8-6) played host to the Washington Wizards (2-11) on the second night of a back-to-back, and after muscling their way past the Nets last night, things went a bit more smoothly Monday evening.

Washington starts a pair of 19-year-olds, and while it is a rebuilding year, the team is one of the worst in the league. In fact, they’re 30th out of all 30 NBA teams in defensive rating. The Knicks were licking their chops heading into the game, and boy, it showed.

First Half

The Wiz Kids came out firing early, jumping out to a quick 12-7 lead less than three minutes into the game. But just as Washington started to cool off to their usual 2-10 selves, the Knicks began to heat up.

Like, really heat up.

A quick 23-7 run gave New York a comfortable 30-19 lead, and just nine minutes into the game, Washington needed to burn their second timeout. Everyone was contributing, and the Knicks were scoring at will. Josh Hart came out firing from deep. KAT was lacing up triples. Bridges was looking comfy in the midrange, Brunson was getting into the paint, and OG Anunoby was dunking over and over again.

At the end of the first frame, the Knicks had hit seven threes and connected on eleven assists. The good guys were up 40-27. It was their first time hitting the 40-point mark in a quarter all season. Lovely!

The start of the second saw the rookies get some run, and things picked up right where they left off. Dadiet got the second frame started off right with a pair of triples to push the Knicks’ lead to 50-29.

All of those KAT injuries concerns? I wouldn’t worry about it. Ready for takeoff.

Of course, Towns couldn’t have all the fun. Jericho Sims wanted a poster for himself. See you on Sportscenter tomorrow morning!

Corey Kispert was one of the lone bright spots for Washington, and he connected on four triples en route to 14 first half points. Other than Jonas Valanciunas adding an additional 11… there’s not much nice to say about the Wizards’ first half performance.

The cohesiveness of New York on the offensive end of the floor looked as strong as it has all year. Everything the front office originally envisioned came to life. Everyone was doing their part.

At the half, New York 73, Washington 54.

Second Half

The Knicks kept my job as easy as possible the rest of the way.

Washington never did anything the entire third quarter to keep the game interesting, and the crowd was generally disengaged watching two teams playing like the game was already settled.

New York eclipsed the century mark with two minutes remaining thanks to back-to-back-to-back Jalen Brunson threes, who was slicing up the Washington defense, and the Wizards had dug themselves into a 34-point hole entering the fourth quarter.

How about a lineup of Kolek-Payne-Dadiet-Sims-Hukporti to start the fourth? Give the rooks some run!

Just Joshing! The Wizards started off the last frame on a ten-nil run, prompting a Thibs timeout, and Hart re-entered the game two minutes later. Tsk.

And wouldn’t you believe it – Josh Hart and OG Anunoby collided with one another with six minutes to go in a 25-point game. Disaster was averted, but things just can’t come easy here in New York.

Anyhow, the extended garbage time offered a great opportunity for the bench unit to fill up the box score. Check out the rook!

Cam Payne put together a nice fourth quarter, contributing eleven points and a pair of assists. Dadiet connected again from deep, as did Kolek.

When it was all said and done, the Knicks prevailed in a 134-106 drubbing. This one was never in doubt. You’ll hear more in tomorrow’s recap, but the final offensive tallies equated to 56% shooting, 20-40 from long range, and 37 assists (which is tied for the most by New York in a game since 2000). Utter domination.

Next up is a loooong five-game road trip out West. It all starts on Wednesday at Phoenix. See you then!