Knicks turning the corner with third straight win

Julius Randle (Google Images)

It has been a tough season for the New York Knicks. However lately, there have been some positive signs, and since Boxing Day they have won three straight games after starting the season at a pathetic seven wins and 24 losses.

A playoff spot in the Eastern Conference still seems in doubt as they are five games back of the Orlando Magic. However New York does have a winning record in their last 10 games at six wins and four losses and interim head coach Mike Miller appears to be making a difference even though he does not bring the big name coaching status and resume to the table.

On New Year’s Day, the Knicks played their most impressive game of the season. While playing at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks had their way with the struggling Portland Trail Blazers in a 117-93 win.

Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson each scored 22 points for New York. Three other players reached double digits as Marcus Morris had 18 points, Bobby Portis had 17 points and Reggie Bullock scored 11 points.

The Knicks must have been thrilled with their bench production. New York’s non-starters outscored Portland’s non-starters 64-13. That’s right and not a misprint. That is a 51 point difference.

Randle registered a double double as he recorded 13 rebounds. While Frank Ntilikina led New York with 10 assists.

New York has not made the playoffs since 2012-13. There are signs of improvement. New York only won eight games in the 2019 portion of the 2018-19 NBA regular season as they finished the year at an ugly 17 wins and 65 losses. It does appear that 25 wins is realistic for New York this season. With complete production from the Knicks entire roster as we saw on Wednesday, and the win total might just reach 30 or more.