Knicks beat Timberwolves, connect consecutive wins for the first time since October

The New York Knicks cut a series of 9 wins followed by losses last night as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 96-88 at Target Center. The last time the Knicks connected consecutive wins was on October 30 and since then, no other win was accompanied by a second victory the next game.

Mitchell Robinson led the Knicks with 14 points while going 7-8 from the field and a season-high 18 rebounds, being the key player in the win. Robinson had 6 offensive rebounds and numerous put-back dunks that came in ballance with the teams’ overall horrible shooting from the free throw line.

“I liked how I felt myself getting into condition better. I feel like I’m running a lot better. It’s working out great.”

– Mitchell Robinson

Julius Randle was also in double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds (four of which offensive) and in the same time he struggled with his shooting going just 5-20 from the field.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the importance of the rebounding made by his two big men.

“You can’t say enough about the way he played. I thought his rebounding and Julius’ rebounding was huge for us.”

– Tom Thibodeau

Evan Fournier finished with 13 points, Kemba Walker had 10 and Quentin Grimes led the bench with 11 buckets including 3 three pointers. In fact, Walker and Fournier both made 3 threes.

The Knicks led by as many as 17 points following a 17-2 run that started late in the first quarter when New York was up 22-20 and extended into the second quarter behind Grimes consecutive three pointers that put the Knicks up 39-22 with 9:51 until halftime. But the Knicks were about to enter struggle mode for the next 12+ minutes when they scored just 5 points, allowing the Timberwolves to get back in the game and take a 45-44 lead with three minutes into the second half.

The Wolves, who were missing several key players to medical protocols (Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell) failed to capitalize and the Knicks got on another run that gave them the lead and eventually the win. RJ Barrett, who shot 0-7 in the first three quarters went 3-3 during the fourth when he scored all of his 8 points.

The Knicks shot 40% from behind the arc (16-40) but were incredible low at the free throw line where they shot just 37.5% (6-16). They did however a better job at cleaning up the boards on both ends and scored 21 points off second chancess.

The Wolves were led by Malik Beasley who scored 20 points. Jaden McDaniels scored 18 and Jaylen Nowell scored 11 off the bench. They ended a 20 game streak of scoring at least 100 points, a league record.

Don’t forget to check ou the broadcasting recap brought to you bty our very own, RunningJumper!

Up-next: The Knicks (16-18) will travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons (5-27) tonight from 7:00pm.