Knicks 143, Kings 120: Scenes from Josh Hart triple-doubling all over Sacramento

Josh Hart records another triple-double, OG scores 33, and KAT tosses in a double-double to bury De’Aaron Fox and the Kings.

After three days off, the New York Knicks (30-16) hosted a hot Sacramento Kings (23-22) team tonight at the Garden. Despite a wobbly second quarter, our heroes looked refreshed for once and started their five-game homestand against Western teams with a 143-120 win.

To keep up with Sacramento, a team must score a lot of points. New York must have studied the scouting report and canned 6-of-11 from downtown in the first quarter—including three by Landry Shamet. Their excellent shooting and ball movement (four assists already from Josh Hart!) gave the Knicks a 14-point lead by midway through the quarter. Jalen Brunson led all scorers with eight points, Sacramento’s De’Aron Fox was held scoreless, and New York won the first quarter 38-25. Glorious!

Rumors of the Knicks’ dominance may have been greatly exaggerated. Thanks to OG Anunoby having one of his hottest offensive nights of the season (20 first-half points), New York pushed their lead to 19 . . . before losing their grip in the latter half of the frame. Sacramento, powered by Malik Monk (23 first-half points), Domantas Sabonis (nearly a triple-double), and a resurgent Fox, cut the Knicks’ lead to two thanks to a 21-4 run. The visitors won the quarter, 42-34. New York still held the lead at halftime, 72-67, but only because Josh Hart squeaked in a three-point play as the clock wound down.

For much of Q3, the Knicks traded hoops with the Kings, with neither team able to get many stops. The frustration mounted, as evidenced by Josh Hart received his seventh technical foul of the season. Hopes that his penalty would kindle a passion in his teammates were for naught, as they continued to swap scores with Sacramento. It was Hart’s inspired play that kept the Knicks in second-chances and help them push ahead finally. With a bloody lip, he logged his 22nd double-double of the season—a new career high—and he dished a buzzer-beater layup to Mikal Bridges to make it a triple-double. Knicks with a 111-100 advantage.

Two minutes into the fourth quarter, the Knicks were up by 12 when Mikal Bridges stepped to the free throw line and reported that the rim was bent. Most of New York City was consulted about the problem while the players mingled, rested, coordinated their post-game meal plans, etc. A 10-minute break in gameplay felt like a bonus intermission; or, if you prefer, a free chance for Josh Hart to power-up and prepare to put the game away down the stretch. And so they did.

Professor Miranda has a proper recap in the oven, baking to perfection. As for the Knicks, they’ll welcome the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. See you then.

Box Score