KNICKS 102 – SUNS 88
For the second game in three nights the New York Knicks rode their defense to a dominant victory, shutting down the Phoneix Suns offense in a 102-88 decision on the second day of 2023. The Knicks are now riding a two-game winning streak and find themselves at 20-18 on the year.
Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson led the way for New York. Randle led all scorers with 28 points and 16 boards. Brunson matched that effort with 24 points of his own. The huge nights for Brunson and Randle were part of an offensive output where the Knicks shot 48 percent from the floor.
As good as New York’s dynamic duo was on the offensive glass, Monday’s win was really about defense.
The Knicks held the Suns to only 39 percent from the floor and 27 percent shooting from beyond the arch. The biggest highlight of the day had to be the 21-0 run the Knicks found themselves in in the second quarter as New York built a 52-20 lead.
Future Hall of Famer Chris Paul was held to just 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting. The 37-year old Paul, who has struggled this season has become familiar with these kinds of games. He netted only 10 points in a loss to Memphis on December 23.