Rolling Thunder is not only a legendary Six Flags roller coaster in New Jersey, but it was also a fitting representation of the next opponent for the surging Knicks.
Tom Thibodeau's team has moved up and will take on the top team in the Western Conference on Friday night in Oklahoma City with a nine-game winning streak on the line.
NBA leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have won 12 straight games heading into Thursday night's home game against the Clippers.
Friday's game pits the Thunder's best defense in the league (102.9 points per 100 possessions) against the Knicks' second-best offense (120.1 points per 100 possessions).
“They're really good, even better than they've ever been,” said Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 31 points and 21 rebounds in Wednesday's home game against the Jazz. “So we have to do our best to go out there and compete at a high level.
“We were fortunate to win a game where we learned a lot about ourselves. We have to take those lessons and experiences back to OKC and use them to win.”
Towns, who ranks second in the NBA behind Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis with 13.7 rebounds per game, will go head-to-head with the 7-footer who was replaced by the Knicks at center this season.
Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year deal worth $87 million with the Thunder in free agency and is averaging a career-best 12.4 boards in 17 games since returning from a preseason hand injury.
“The big man got paid this summer, so he should be a little slow and slow to protect the rim, so we should be able to go for him,” joked Josh Hart, who hit back-to-back triples. said. -Doubles against the Wizards and Jazz. “This will be a good test, we got them and it's a tough back-to-back against Chicago.” [on Saturday]. We have to go out there, play our game and be aggressive. ”
The Knicks (24-10) extended their winning streak against the struggling Jazz on Wednesday night despite missing All-Star Jalen Brunson (calf) and sixth man Miles McBride (hamstring). .
Coach Tom Thibodeau said both point guards will be evaluated Thursday before a decision is made about the game in Oklahoma City.
Led by dynamic Gilgeous-Alexander's league-high 31.3 points per game, the Thunder will be a much tougher matchup for backup Cam Payne and rookie Tyler Kolek.
“JB, 'Cal, myself, I think we just think a little differently. When you can walk, let's play. Apparently, JB was able to walk today, so he should have played.' joked Hart, referring to Brunson and Mikal Bridges, his former Villanova teammates. “know [Brunson] I want to be out there. I don't think that will be considered [account] For him and for us, we know we've got a player who can step up and play big minutes.”
The Knicks have played the league's easiest schedule thus far, with opponents having a .461 winning percentage prior to Wednesday's game.
Five of the nine wins came against teams with a combined record of 26-105 (.198): the Pelicans, Raptors, Wizards (twice) and Jazz.
The Knicks, who went 12-2 in December, played the Thunder twice in eight days and have games against the Magic, Bucks, Hawks, 76ers, Timberwolves, Grizzlies and Nuggets scheduled in January. are.
“At the moment, our record shows where we are. But we also understand that there are a lot of areas we have to improve. So don't let that deter you.” Thibodeau said Wednesday. “The most important thing is to find different ways to win.
“I know it's a cliché, but in this league when you look ahead and behind you, you don't know where you are. It's easy to get sidetracked like this. That's why we keep daily improvement in mind and never stray away from it. We keep hitting it every day. Each game is different and every day is different. Understand what leads to victory.”
