Knicks survive Heat 106-104 as Barrett scores 30

RJ Barrett scored 30 points and the Knicks survived the Miami Heat in dramatic fashion, 106-104 at the Garden last night.

With just 2 seconds left on the clock, the Knicks were up by 2 and had possession after a very quick three pointer by Max Strus.

On the inbound pass, Julius Randle tripped, fell and the refs called for travel, switching thus the possession and allowing the Heat for one more shot. But this time, Tyler Herro’s corner three hit the rim as the buzzer sounded.

It was a crazy final minute after the Knicks almost blew an 11 point lead. Isiah Hartenstein kept New York alive, stealing the ball with 11 seconds left after Barrett turned it over seconds earlier. Randle dunked it and put the Knicks up 106-101 with just 5 seconds left.

The Knicks led 92-81 in the fourth quarter and by as many as 14 during the third. Barrett, who scored 20 points in the second half played without rest after being benched most of the fourth quarter against the Lakers including the extra time.

“The thing that I love about RJ is I always believe he’s going to bounce back and I saw it immediately the next day after the Laker game.”

– Tom Thibodeau

Randle, who was named to the Eastern Conference All-Stars as a reserve had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Quentin Grimes finished with 17 buckets.

Unfortunately, Jalen Brunson, sidelined last night with a non-COVID illness was skipped from becoming an All Star despite the huge impact he has made since joining the Knicks. Even Charles Barkley was disappointed with the decision. Chuck, alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith all had Brunson on their list of reserves.

The Miami Heat were led by Bam Adebayo who finished with a game-high 32 points and 9 rebounds. Tyler Herro scored 25 including four three pointers, three of them in the third quarter.

Up-next: The Knicks (28-25) will host the Clippers (29-26) on Saturday from 7:00 pm