NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson delivered an impressive performance with 32 points and 10 assists, leading the New York Knicks to a 133-120 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Knicks continued their electric offensive start under new coach Mike Brown, improving to 7-0 at home.
Mikal Bridges added 22 points for the Knicks, who have averaged an impressive 130.2 points during a five-game home winning streak. This strong start marks their best record at Madison Square Garden since the 2012-13 season, when they won their first 10 games and secured the Atlantic Division title. OG Anunoby scored 16 points, while Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to contribute 13 points.
The Knicks have been consistently potent offensively, scoring at least 77 points in a half for three consecutive games.
For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama each tallied 19 points. Ja Morant recorded 16 points and 10 assists but struggled from the field, shooting 4 for 14. Memphis dropped their sixth game in seven outings.
The Knicks set the tone early with a 12-0 run to close out the first quarter, turning a 30-all tie into a 42-30 lead on a basket by Brunson with 0.5 seconds remaining. They opened the second quarter with a 7-0 spurt, extending their advantage to 49-30 thanks to a 3-pointer by Deuce McBride.
Although Memphis cut the deficit to 11 midway through the second quarter, New York kept the pressure on. Clarkson’s 10 points in the period helped the Knicks take a commanding 77-54 lead into halftime.
New York’s offensive surge continued after the break. They scored 83 points in the second half of a 137-114 win against Minnesota last Wednesday and followed that with a 77-point first half in a 134-98 blowout of Brooklyn on Sunday.
The Grizzlies did manage to reduce the Knicks’ lead from 28 points to 10 in the fourth quarter, but Brunson ensured the visitors could not mount a comeback.
The Knicks rested starting center Mitchell Robinson on the first night of back-to-back games.
**Up next:**
– Grizzlies: Visit Boston on Wednesday
– Knicks: Host Orlando on Wednesday
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/knicks-another-big-offensive-night-031114160.html
