The New York Knicks emerged victorious over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night with a score of 117-109. In a foul and resilient performance, the Knicks once again established their impressive defense, but also showed their offensive skill.
In the win, star Julius Randle posted 44 points and 10 rebounds, while second-year guard RJ Barrett scored 24 and eight rebounds. Barrett’s development this season has been astronomical, and he seems to be the perfect combination with Randle, as they are still growing chemistry. However, the Knicks could use some more essential pieces next season – head coach Tom Thibodeau believes most of their success is based on mentality and hard practice.
The veteran coach may not be happy, but he is happy with the way his team plays and realizes how much basketball is left this season.
“Am I happy? “You know I’m never happy,” Thibodeau told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “We try not to be wrapped up in all these things. I think you do not want to get lost, and that’s the most important thing to understand what it entails. I think if we take care of all the little things, the big things take care of themselves.
The Knicks are joined by a one-year schedule, including Taj Gibson, Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel and Elfrid Payton. In fact, most of the roster is in the final years of their agreement or has signed a one-year contract for the 2020–21 season.
Sometimes it’s just the mentality that fuels success and victory, and the Knicks win with confidence and play extremely aggressive defense.
‘I think we believe we can win, and that’s probably the most important thing. It started like that in the beginning. It does not really matter what people think outside. This is what we think. ”
After Thibodeau experienced the success of the season unexpectedly, Thibodeau’s words sounded. Outside factors have apparently crept their way into the organization, affecting gameplay and performance, but this year things are different, shut down and being warned by the outside world. The Knicks play team basketball, show a tremendous heart and fight with their top defense. During this five-game win, the Knicks closed out games they would have lost a few weeks ago, and thanks to their esteemed leaders, Dallas completely dominated.
Clearly, things are different, and it’s just to stay consistent and bounce back from the losses they have proven they can achieve.