Eight different rotation players had assists for the Knicks on Saturday night, including Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, who each had 11 assists.
The Knicks' 40-of-52 field goal attempts against the Kings were the second-most assists in a game this season, behind the league-high 45 they made in November's road win over Denver. It became.
“Yeah, the ball was moving and guys were making shots,” Brunson said after the game. “When you're playing in the open floor at that pace, it's all about finding open guys and trusting your teammates.”
The Knicks are 10th in the league this season with 27.4 assists per game, joining the Nuggets as the only teams with two games with at least 40 assists.
“Just believe in the game,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I thought we played fast and had good time to break the zone down the floor. We got into the gap. They were double-teaming and we got to the second pass. . Just read the game. The game will tell you what to do. But for us, it's a big advantage because we can pull over and get into the open floor.”
Precious Achiuwa was the only Knicks regular who didn't record an assist, but the backup big man had a strong game on both ends, posting 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block and a +27 rating in 18 minutes. contributed to.
“He played really well, and that's what we expect from him,” Brunson said. “None of us in this locker room are surprised to see that. That's who he is and that's what he brings to the table every night.”
Hart (right knee soreness) is listed as questionable for Monday's home game against the Grizzlies for the second consecutive game. Marcus Smart (finger) plays for Memphis.
