Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to their fourth straight win, overpowering the Washington Wizards with a 121-105 victory during Saturday night’s NBA action.
Following an emphatic 128-92 triumph over Philadelphia, the Knicks maintained their dominance, amassing a 60-34 lead by late in the first half, much to the delight of the New York fans in attendance.
Brunson, who scored 33 points, emphasized the importance of energy, especially playing back-to-back games. He and Randle, who notched 39 points, two shy of his season-high, have formed a formidable partnership on the court.
“It was important to come out with energy, especially on a back-to-back,” Brunson said. “It’s fun whenever you’re winning.”
Brunson acknowledged their shared winning mindset as a key factor in their successful collaboration.
“Collectively, we both have the same mindset,” Brunson said. “As long as we’re winning, we can get better the next day and keep going from there.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards Updates
Isaiah Hartenstein also made a significant contribution with 19 rebounds. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised the team’s all-around play and readiness, highlighting their defensive activity and ability to maintain the lead.
“It was just not the pace. It was the all-around play,” Thibodeau said. “Just being ready to play, playing with a lead, good defensive activity.”
The Knicks have been particularly effective against teams with losing records, boasting a 14-1 in such matchups. Regardless of the opponent’s record, Randle stressed the importance of consistent focus and improvement.
“Don’t play with your food,” Randle said. “Take care of what you’re supposed to take care of and just keep improving. The basketball gods got a funny way of rewarding you or humbling you. We just try to approach every game the right way.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards Updates
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their fourth consecutive loss. Deni Avdija added 23 points in the effort. Turnovers plagued the Wizards, who committed 20, just two shy of their season-high, allowing the Knicks to capitalize with 23 points off those turnovers.
Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. acknowledged the physicality of the Knicks, admitting his team was unprepared for the intensity they faced.
“We knew going in that they’re a very aggressive, a very physical team,” Unseld said. “I don’t think we came out anticipating that amount of force.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards Updates
Despite a solid start to the second half, reducing the Knicks’ lead to just five points, the Wizards couldn’t sustain the momentum. Thibodeau’s timeouts and stern words helped the Knicks regain control, finishing the third quarter with a 17-6 run.
“There’s going to be runs in the game,” Thibodeau said. “They started the third on a run. Now that we gave them hope that they could get back into the game, which they did. I knew they play hard.”
The Knicks will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, while the Wizards will play at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.
