Key Takeaways:
– Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau benched Alec Burks in the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers which they won 105-93.
– Burks’ performance post-trade has not been up to par averaging 7.1 points compared to his previous 12.6 points with the Pistons.
– Knicks’ OG Anunoby’s elbow injury status has been downgraded to questionable.
– Jalen Brunson calls for Anunoby’s rest if the latter’s elbow injury is serious.
In a recent match against Portland Trail Blazers, the notable absence of Alec Burks in the second half sparked curiosity among the fans. New York Knicks’ Coach Tom Thibodeau, when asked, replied simply with, “Basketball”. As it turned out, the game was won by the Knicks, scoring a 105-93 victory.
The Downslide of Alec Burks
Burks had once been Thibodeau’s favorite during the coach’s first tenure with the Knicks. Yet his reappointment in the team has been quite underwhelming. Burks, in the measly 4 minutes and 18 seconds he was on the field, could only muster 5 points with 2 of 5 shooting. His performance led Thibodeau to put him on the bench with over 8 minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Miles McBride, Knicks’ third-year guard, managed to fill in the gap quite impressively. He raked in 6 points in his 22 minutes on the court, proving an effective alternative to Burks.
Post-trade Disaster
Burks was traded back to the Knicks from the Detroit Pistons at the deadline, but his stint post-move has been disappointing. His shooting percentage dropped significantly, particularly from the 3-point range.
The injured Knicks’ wing OG Anunoby Concerns
In another line of news, the Knicks are concerned over the health of their 3-and-D wing OG Anunoby. He has been downgraded to questionable due to his recurring elbow injury. Anunoby himself insists that the injury isn’t serious. Despite the concerning injury, he intends to play against the Sacramento Kings this Saturday, March 16.
Brunson’s Take on Anunoby’s Health
Knicks starting point guard Jalen Brunson commended Anunoby’s spirit, but emphasized his health concerning the upcoming postseason.
Brunson stated, “I think a lot of us have mindsets like that. If you go back out there, that means you’re good. But we want everyone to be okay first, and foremost.”
It seems unclear whether Burks’s benching will alter his game approach or how it will effect team dynamics moving forward. On the other hand, the team is hoping for Anunoby’s quick recovery given his vital role on the squad. These developments lead to yet another anticipated turn in the NBA games, spotlighting the Knicks’ strategies and lineup reshuffling. Fans and critics alike will be keen to follow how these elements play out in the future matches.
The Knicks’ next match is set for March 16th against the Sacramento Kings. The contest will indeed be a sight to watch with Burks’s performance and Anunoby’s health on the line. With playoffs approaching, the stakes are high and the New York Knicks, under Thibodeau’s leadership, seem to be ready for the challenge.
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