The New York Knicks‘ wing stoppers failed to contain Darius Garland and Max Strus as they squandered a 23-point lead in a demoralizing 108-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Garland finished with a double-double (26 points and 13 assists) while Strus stepped up without six-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell (ankle), adding 19 points on 5-of-12 3-point shooting.
OG Anunoby (-2) and Mikal Bridges (-14), the Knicks’ wing stoppers, were a combined minus-16 in the loss.
Garland and Strus shot a combined 2-of-3 from the field when Anunoby was defending them, per the NBA matchup tracker. They were a combined 6-for-10 against Bridges. Garland also dished out eight of his 13 assists when Bridges was his primary defender.
Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson led the team with 27 points but tied his season-low for assists with only two. The only other time he was limited to two dimes was against the defending champion and this season’s No. 2 seed Boston Celtics in the opening night blowout loss.
Knicks’ Concerning Record Against Top Teams
The loss extended the Knicks’ concerning winless record to 0-10 against the top teams of both conferences — Cavaliers, Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder — as they head into the postseason looking like a disjointed team compared to their previous playoff teams under coach Tom Thibodeau.
Knicks president Leon Rose and his front office dramatically altered the makeup of the team before this season when they traded for Bridges for five first-round picks and Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
On the surface, they have a successful season, notching their first back-to-back 50-win season since 1994-95. But a deeper look provides more questions than answers for their title hopes. This new-look Knicks team heads into the playoffs with more talent but with questions about fit and grit.
The Knicks clinched the No. 3 seed after the Indiana Pacers fell to Orlando Magic 129-115. They will face the No. 6 Detroit Pistons, this season’s Cinderella team, in the first round.
Detroit has more than tripled its 14 wins last season with 44 and its first playoff berth since 2019.
The young, physical and hungry Pistons have the Knicks’ numbers this season, beating them thrice in four meetings.
Knicks Wing Stoppers’ Playoff Test Awaits
Pistons star Cade Cunningham averaged 30.8 points, 8.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds against the Knicks this season. The 6-foot-6 Cunningham shot 56.3% from the field and 52.0% from the 3-point line in four meetings against the Knicks.
Anunoby and Bridges will have their hands full.
Anunoby signed the most lucrative contract in franchise history ($212 million over five years) as the Knicks are betting he could shut down the bigger wings in the NBA in the playoffs. They also rolled the dice on Bridges, emptying their once tightly guarded and very deep draft capital, for his 3-and-D capabilities, which combined with Anunoby’s skillset is what they believe the right balance around the offensive brilliance of the Brunson-Towns combo.
Will the Knicks’ big gamble on their wing stoppers pay off?
The playoffs could not come soon enough.
Wingstop Rolls Green Carpet in Time for NBA Playoffs
With the NBA playoffs just around the corner, Wingstop, the league’s official chicken partner, pulled out all the stops and rolled out the green carpet in New York for their latest offering.
Wingstop hosted their first-ever Bar Tender pop-up event in Bedford, Brooklyn on Thursday and Friday as New York fans got a free taste of their 12-flavored chicken tender roster perfect for pregame meals and watch parties for the NBA playoffs.
“We all know the feeling of rolling into our favorite bar with friends and ordering the bartender’s specialty,” said Wingstop’s Chief Revenue Officer, Mark Christenson. “With Bar Tender by Wingstop, we’re shaking things up – literally – serving all 12 bold flavors for a one-of-a-kind experience. And the best part? Fans can bring the Bar Tender energy home by tasting every signature flavor for themselves.”
Executive chef Larry Bellah, Wingstop’s director of culinary and research and development, meticulously crafted the 12 flavors that resemble an NBA championship roster each having their own signature taste that if you order as a whole is sure to win everyone in your playoff watch parties.
Heavy.com was invited to have a taste of the 12 flavors: Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Lemon Pepper, Mild, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Spicy Korean Q, Louisiana Rub, Hot Honey Rub, Original Hot, Cajun, Mango Habanero and Atomic Hot.
On top of that, they treated us to a game experience during the Knicks-Cavaliers match which coincided with Fans Appreciation Night at Madison Square Garden.
Alder Almo/Heavy.comNew York Knicks gave out Jalen Brunson bobbleheads during Fan Appreciation Night at Madison Square Garden.
Unfortunately, the Knicks’ wing stoppers failed to meet the challenge Friday night, but Wingstop’s new flavored chicken tenders did not disappoint.
