In a heart-wrenching defeat against the Denver Nuggets, the New York Knicks faced a sobering reality: their size deficiency cost them dearly. Standing at 6’2, Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ stalwart guard, bared his soul in the wake of the team’s loss, acknowledging a glaring weakness that loomed large on the court.
The game, which saw the Knicks’ 4-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt, showcased the dominance of the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, as they clinched a resounding 113-100 victory. Despite Brunson’s valiant efforts, notching an impressive 26 points and 9 assists, the Knicks found themselves outmatched and outplayed.
Post-game reflections revealed a poignant truth: the Knicks’ lack of size proved to be their Achilles’ heel. With a roster marred by injuries, particularly in the frontcourt, the burden fell heavily on the shoulders of Center Isaiah Hartenstein. Brunson, with a humility rare in professional sports, shouldered the blame, recognizing his failure to contribute in crucial areas, lamenting, “He’s kind of alone down there. It’s tough. I didn’t really do much of the rebounding part, so I gotta do my part.”
“Isaiah’s been playing great all year…Really set the tone for us…All of us have to do a better job of helping him out…We were pretty small tonight, so we gotta gang rebound…I didn’t really do much of the rebounding part, so I gotta do my part”
–– Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/hJS9t7hpys
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 22, 2024
Indeed, the Knicks have been grappling with adversity throughout the season, grappling with injuries that have depleted their roster of key big men. The absence of the towering 7-foot Center, Mitchell Robinson, sidelined for over three months following ankle surgery, has left a void in the paint. Additionally, the impactful 6’8 Forward, Julius Randle, has endured his share of setbacks, missing considerable playing time due to a dislocated shoulder.
Though there was a glimmer of hope with the return of OG Anunoby, whose presence injected optimism into the lineup, fate dealt another blow as he was sidelined once again due to an aggravated elbow injury sustained in a recent clash with the Kings.
In the face of adversity, Hartenstein has admirably stepped up, shouldering the responsibility to keep the Knicks afloat with his commendable averages of 7.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Yet, the burden cannot rest solely on his shoulders; Brunson and his compatriots must rise to the occasion until the injured stars reclaim their spots on the court.
The magnitude of the Knicks’ size predicament was starkly evident in their defeat against the Nuggets. The formidable lineup of Denver, boasting giants like Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., exposed the chink in the Knicks’ armor. Despite their usual prowess in matching up against opponents, the Knicks faltered against the sheer size and skill of their adversaries, succumbing to defeat on enemy territory.
However, amidst the despair, a ray of hope emerges on the horizon. Mitchell Robinson, the beacon of New York’s frontcourt, is on the brink of making a triumphant return. Encouraging reports from team practices indicate significant progress in his recovery, hinting at a possible comeback before the curtain falls on March.
For Brunson and the Knicks, this impending return heralds a renewed sense of optimism. Positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, the prospect of Robinson’s return injects a much-needed boost ahead of the playoffs. With his towering presence anchoring the defense and bolstering the team’s rebounding prowess, the Knicks stand poised to reclaim their stride and chart a course towards postseason success.
