The New York Knicks entered Tuesday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks looking to pick up a much-needed victory, and that is exactly what they were able to do. New York had struggled over the past few weeks, having dropped six of their last 10 games leading up to the matchup. Despite this, the Knicks used a great start and a dominant third quarter to take down the beat-up Mavericks 128-113.
OG Anunoby led the way for the Knicks, scoring 35 points and grabbing five rebounds in the victory. His offensive prowess was crucial, especially considering the Knicks were without key players. Karl-Anthony Towns also had a standout performance, recording a triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Not to be outdone, Josh Hart also achieved a triple-double, contributing 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists on an impressive 6-9 shooting from the field.
For Hart, this marked his ninth triple-double of the season, moving him into the top spot in Knicks’ history for the most triple-doubles in a single season. He surpassed the previous record held by Walt Frazier, who had eight triple-doubles during the 1968-69 season. Hart's achievement is a testament to his significant impact on the team this year, as the Knicks currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings.
This season, the 30-year-old guard is averaging 13.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 33.5% from three-point range. He has also been playing an NBA-leading 37.7 minutes per game. Hart's contributions have been pivotal for the Knicks, especially during their recent struggles.
Despite the victory, the Knicks faced challenges with player availability. Mitchell Robinson was ruled out for the game due to ankle injury management. Robinson had undergone ankle surgery in the offseason, which kept him out for a significant portion of the season. Since his return, the Knicks have been cautious with his playing time, particularly during back-to-back game scenarios like the one they faced against the Mavericks and the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Robinson's absence was felt, especially given the Knicks' already shorthanded frontcourt, as Ariel Hukporti is still recovering from a torn meniscus. However, Robinson is expected to return for the game against the Clippers on Wednesday. In the 10 games he has played this season, Robinson has averaged 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 68.6% from the field.
In addition to Robinson, the Knicks were also missing Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride due to injuries. With these key players sidelined, Coach Tom Thibodeau turned to Cameron Payne and Tyler Kolek to fill the gaps in the backcourt. The Knicks’ depth was tested, but the performance against the Mavericks showcased their resilience.
As the Knicks celebrated their victory, they looked ahead to their next challenge: hosting the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. With the win over the Mavericks, the Knicks aimed to extend their winning streak to three games, a much-needed boost for a team that has faced ups and downs throughout the season.
The matchup against the Clippers promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positioning. Fans are eagerly anticipating the game, which will tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST. The Knicks are hoping to carry the momentum from their recent victory and continue their climb in the Eastern Conference standings.
