CLEVELAND — Remember when Landry Shamet was hardly getting any playing time?
Feels like ages ago.
In Game 4 between the Knicks and the Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Monday night, he nailed all four of his 3-point attempts, racking up 16 points. This performance notably contributed to the Knicks’ overwhelming 58-24 lead in bench points, paving their way to the NBA Finals.
Remarkably, Shamet’s performance over the last six games (Games 3 and 4 against the 76ers, along with all four games in the conference finals) has been impressive—he’s hit 17 of 21 from beyond the arc.
Coach Mike Brown praised Shamet, stating, “Landry Shamet continues to step up in a big way on both ends of the floor.”
Shamet became a regular in Brown’s rotation as the postseason commenced, but after a rough start in the first round, Jose Alvarado took over his spot. It was only when OG Anunoby went down with a hamstring injury that Shamet found his opportunity again in Games 3 and 4 of the second round.
Needless to say, he seized that moment.
During Game 1 of the conference finals, Shamet was instrumental in a stunning 22-point comeback, hitting three crucial 3-pointers in the final quarter and overtime. This comeback really set the tone for the series, which seemed to deflate the Cavaliers.
Interestingly, Jalen Brunson didn’t take a single minute in the Knicks’ three blowout games.
Brown effectively rotated his starters, allowing him to empty the bench for much of the game, similar to his strategy in Game 6 of the first round and Game 4 of the second round.
Karl-Anthony Towns turned a personal slight into a chance to commend his team.
Despite playing a vital role in a team reaching the Finals, Towns wasn’t selected for any All-NBA teams. That left the Knicks with just one player, Brunson, representing them on three All-NBA teams, as he made it to the second team.
“I think it says more about our team, that we are selfless and willing to do whatever it takes to develop our team and our organization and win,” Towns remarked. “You’ve mentioned various statistics, but it’s really about a collective effort in New York to get the job done each night, and that says a lot about this team.”
