Knicks take rare victory in Utah against winning team

Jalen Brunson led hist team with 25 points, 8 assists and the New York Knicks defeated the Utah Jazz 118-111 on the road, to take the first W against a winning team this season.

The win is even more impressive as the Jazz were undefeated on their home court until last night.

Unlike the previous games, the Knicks stood strong throughout the entire game and improved their defense. They forced their opponents to turn the ball over 21 times and defended the three point line more accurate, leaving less open looks.

“We stuck together for four quarters. When they made a run, we just kind of looked at each other and said, ‘It’s time to tighten up’.”

– Jalen Brunson

At the same time they improved their mid and long range shooting with Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley making three straight threes early in the fourth. That propelled the Knicks on a 20-4 run to take a 103-91 lead with less then six minutes to play.

The Jazz managed to cut the lead 111-105 with 2:31 left but failed to capitalize as Malik Beasley missed a 24-foot three pointer, then Kelly Olynyk turned the ball over after making the offensive rebound.

Olynyk scored a game high 27 points to go with 11 rebounds and Jordan Clarkson added 10 for the home team who has now dropped 10-6.

Brunson scored 12 of his total points in the fourth quarter and Quickley had 8 of his total 13. The Jazz offense was slowed down after they managed to take a 80-73 lead late in the third quarter.

Cam Reddish started, played 33 minutes and finished with 19 points shooting 7-13 from the field.

RJ Barrett struggled with his shooting from nearly everywhere. He was 5-18 from the field and missed all of his five three point attempts. He made just 8 of his 14 free throws but still managed to put 18 points on the scoreboard.

Jericho Sims had a double double off the bench with 11 buckets and 13 boards.

Coach Tom Thibodeau had a short rotation with just 4 bench players who produced 39 points. On the other hand, guards Evan Fournier and Quentin Grimes were dropped from the rotation.

Up-next: The Knicks (7-7) will continue their road trip in the west and take on the Jokic-less Nuggets (9-4) tonight from 10:00 pm.