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When the game was on the line, the Knicks’ perhaps greatest perimeter defender was sitting on the bench.
After limiting Ja Morant to eight points and four turnovers in the first half of the Knicks’ 127-123 defeat to the Grizzlies, Quentin Grimes did not defend him in the fourth quarter.
“Precisely how the game was unfolding,” said coach Tom Thibodeau. “I, too, loved Cam [Reddish] a great deal. This group was performing rather well, so I simply stayed with them. Whatever works best for our team is what we will implement.”
In his first game back from a right groin injury, Reddish contributed to the Knicks’ comeback from a 10-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to take the lead, and he scored a number of clutch baskets. Thibodeau also liked the concept of altering Morant’s appearance with the addition of the lanky Reddish. Morant scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning shot with 13.9 seconds remaining. He finished the game with 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds for a triple-double.
“In my opinion, [Grimes] performed the best possible job [against Morant]. “I think Cam gave us some excellent minutes,” stated Thibodeau. Between the two of them, their defensive effort impressed me much.
During the Knicks’ defeat to the Grizzlies, Reddish scores.
Noah Murray-New York Post
Quentin Grimes Images from Getty
Brunson was a game-time decision with a right quad contusion he sustained late in Friday’s defeat to the Trail Blazers, but it did not hinder his performance. He scored thirty points in thirty-six minutes. He is also suffering from a sprained right wrist.
“It’s simply bumps and bruises during the season,” he explained. If I am able to walk, I can play.
RJ Barrett, who entered the game in a severe shooting slump, was extremely aggressive and forced his way into the paint. All ten of his first-half scores came from close to the basket. He completed the game with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on the strength of two 3-pointers.
Thibodeau stated, “I believe it’s occasionally essential to score baskets without exerting a great deal of effort.” “Rely on the pass. Without the ball, proceed. Defend against the ball. I believe that when you execute these things, you are frequently presented with easy scoring opportunities.”
Immanuel Quickley departed the game with a painful right knee late in the third quarter and did not return. Derrick Rose scored six points in 12 minutes after returning from a two-game absence due to a right toe injury…. With more healthy bodies, Thibodeau utilized 11 players in the first quarter. Despite his recent success, center Jericho Sims did not participate in the game. The Grizzlies were missing their second-leading scorer Desmond Bane (toe) and their wing Ziaire Williams (foot) (ankle).
»Knicks choose Cam Reddish over Quentin Grimes in the closing stages«