Kyrie Returns After 8 Game Benching
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Derrel Jazz Johnson
After playing horrible defense in the second half against the Dallas
Mavericks in an embarrassing loss the day before, the New York Knicks
put together arguably their best defensive effort of the season in a
92-81 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks held Cleveland to 20 or less points in three of the four quarters
and forced poor shooting performances from Donovan Mitchell (8-22),
and Darius Garland (5-19). Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points
and Julius Randle chipped in with 18 points and 9 rebounds.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau discussed the excellent defensive effort.
“I thought we sustained the effort from start to finish,” he surmised.
“They put a lot of pressure on you, and you can’t let your guard down.
But I like the way we played. I thought we played very unselfish offensively, and it was a good win.”
Thibodeau also praised the defensive play of Quentin Grimes.
“I still think Quentin will get there offensively, he’s still finding
his way, and that’s going to come,” Thibodeau expressed. “But his
defense is terrific. Those guys are very difficult to guard
individually, but Quentin has great feet, strength, and anticipation.
You’re going to have to work. On every play, he’s is all out.”
New York hosted Atlanta Wednesday night.
