This was the closest this year’s New York Knicks looked to last year’s New York Knicks. Call it a “vintage” Knicks win if you want. Whatever it is, it is a step in the right direction.
Julius Randle and RJ Barrett led the way on offense, the defense tightened up as the game progressed, and they made enough plays in winning time to protect Madison Square Garden.
Barrett came out firing against this depleted Pacers backcourt, drilling six of his first seven shots en route to 19 first-quarter points. He finished with 32 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.