The growing Knicks have won six of eight games since center back Mitchell Robinson broke his hand, rising from 0.500 at the end of any season for the first time since 2012-13 and to fourth place in the Eastern Conference with Sunday’s convincing victory in Detroit.
They did this with a “next man” philosophy under coach Tom Thibodeau and regular contributions throughout their lineup, led by debutant striker Julius Randle.
Former lottery player Nerlens Noel was also more than skillful for Robinson, particularly recording heavy minutes for the Knicks (18-17) in the last two games, with reserve center Taj Gibson also sidelined due to a sprain. on the ankle.
“Well, um, I’m never happy. Second, I always think we can do better, ”said Thibodeau when asked on Sunday night whether he was satisfied with Noel’s contributions. “I am proud of Nerlens for being ready, which we knew he would be. And then we have a lot of other guys moving forward. I don’t think you replace a guy like Mitchell individually.
“We have to do this collectively. If we play hard, play smart, play together, we can find a way to win. That’s what I want us to do. And whenever someone is called, someone goes to the rotation, just be ready, get in there and do the job. This is what it means to be a team. “
Prior to this season, Noel had accumulated 40 or more minutes in a game three times in his seven-year career in the NBA, and none since April 2016. All three of those games went into overtime, with one reaching two heats.
The 1.80m Noel played 41 minutes, the best of the season, in Saturday’s victory over Indiana, and 40 (rounded up to 39:34) the following night against the Pistons. Until Sunday, he was fourth in the NBA, with 2.0 shots blocked per game.
Without Robinson and Gibson, Thibodeau also briefly employed a small ball line in each game, with Randle sliding into the middle and Kevin Knox or newcomer Obi Toppin as a striker.
Asked if he was concerned that the Knicks would sacrifice rim protection with smaller settings, Thibodeau replied: “I care about everything. You look at where you are in the game. Are you playing with the leader? You are seeing what the clashes look like. That’s what I like about our bank. We have guys who can bring things to the game that we need. … I like the versatility in which we have guys who can play in various positions. I think we are seeing the value of rim protection when we had Mitch and, of course, with Nerlens. And then, of course, we asked Julius to do everything. “
Noel and Randle are part of the Knicks’ Kentucky product contingent, along with Knox and debutant owner Immanuel Quickley, as well as assistant coach Kenny Payne, former assistant to John Calipari.
The two big men were chosen in the lottery on successive withdrawals after a season each with the Wildcats. Noel was the sixth overall choice in 2013 and Randle was the seventh choice in 2014.
“Obviously, this is my first time on the same team as him … but seeing his evolution, I remember playing against him last year, years before, but now it’s just different,” said Noel of Randle after the win. of Sunday. “Confidence, All-Star, just good, he kicks with ultra confidence.
“I think this is a really big step forward for him to be a leader of this team. Lead by example. Julius is a fantastic person, a fantastic player. I really like to play with him ”.
Randle also continues to record heavy minutes, entering on Monday tied for second place in the championship with 36.7 per game, behind only James Harden from Brooklyn (37.5). He averaged 39 minutes on both weekend wins and joked that he would “get some sleep” before Tuesday’s game in San Antonio.
“I feel good. Honestly, I feel great,” said Randle on Sunday night. “My body looks great. That’s why you do all the training in the summer, to prepare for those moments.”