NBA
Radical change in the Knicks since Brunson, Randle, Robinson friction
The tension in the Knicks locker room after the loss to the Bucks has spurred a team that has since posted six wins and only one loss.
Rarely does a conflict have such a good result within the playing staff of any professional team. The Knicks, in the game last November 4 at the Fiserv Forum, were in the news after a tight 110-105 defeat to the Bucks that triggered the anger of several players - many of them, heavyweights and veterans within the locker room.
The public and the press criticized Julius Randle for his attitude in the last defense of the game. Apparently, the Knicks power forward was upset with Jalen Brunson’s decisions and as a result of that frustration, decided to walk on the court at a key moment. He admitted afterwards that he had a poor game: “I’m just not in rhythm. Everything just seems a little bit off, you just start pressing a little bit, but like I said, I’ve just gotta stay with it. Keep working”.
Mitchell Robinson’s entourage also appeared publicly to complain about the lack of offensive opportunities that the center was receiving, since those post and pick & roll situations that he gets so much performance out of were not occurring for the Floridian player. Meanwhile, Brunson also seemed upset with the collective commitment after finishing that game. However, what seemed a split that was difficult to solve for Thibodeau, has ended up becoming a source of motivation for his team.
Digital rise of Knicks
Since that defeat to the Bucks at the start of the month, the New York franchise has a record of six wins and only one loss in the games that followed. Only one of the big favorites, the Boston Celtics, has been able to stop the tremendous streak of a team that is moved fourth in the East before slipping down to sixth this week, settling in a much more coherent area given the team’s aspirations this year. Tonight, they will face one of the league’s toughest teams - the Minnesota Timberwolves, at the Target Center.
Furthermore, both Brunson and Randle, the two stars of these Knicks, have increased their influence on the team’s good results. The point guard and the power forward score more points and in a more efficient way.
Donte DiVincenzo and Immanuel Quickley are regularly contributing in a notable way as well. However, Mitchell Robinson has not seen his offensive influence increase as his inner circle would have us believe, although he is playing a very important defensive role in a team that for years has been known for leaving opposing teams with very low scores.