Memphis Trip Was Exactly What the Doctor Ordered for Knicks

After losing three in a row, including being steamrolled in Houston a night prior, the New York Knicks took advantage of a classic NBA “get-well” spot against the tanktastic Grizzlies. There were no complaints about the touches for Karl-Anthony Towns or Mike Brown’s system in the 130-119 victory.

The Knicks dropped a franchise-tying high 48 points in the opening quarter and a season-high 79 points in the first half alone. They held Memphis to a measly 20 rebounds, which marked the lowest number of boards in any NBA game this season and by any team ever against New York. It wasn't a dominant win, but a convincing one.

After being visibly frustrated against the Rockets, Towns made a statement with his first triple-double of the season and fourth of his eleven-year career. The big man scored 20 points, snagged 11 rebounds and dished out a season-high 11 dimes.

Towns Shows Why He Needs To Be More Of A Focal Point

The biggest thing about Towns’ performance, aside from his seven turnovers, was showing why he needs the ball more. Despite being acquired less than two months ago at the trade deadline, Jose Alvarado seems to have a better feel for the pick and role game with KAT than Jalen Brunson. So it wasn't a surprise to see that synergy translating with the former Pelican in the starting lineup.

Apr 1, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Tyler Burton (5) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

OG Anunoby led all scorers with 25 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. The six-foot-seven swingman took over the fourth quarter with 17 points and four triples. Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges, awoke from his scoring slumber with 24 points in what was his 633rd consecutive game, surpassing Andre Miller for the eighth longest stretch in league history. The ironman cracked 20-points most recently on March 1 and just once across the last 21 games.

The strong effort came with Brunson getting the day off. Mitchell Robinson and Deuce McBride also got a breather due to injury management. For the most, part, however, the night marked the first time everyone is fully-healthy, besides some aches and pains from the rigors of a long season.

The team welcomed back Landry Shamet, who returned after missing the past five games with a bone bruise in his right knee. The sharpshooter chipped in 13 points on 3-of-5 from long distance in 31 minutes. His return comes on the heels of McBride jumping back into the fray after missing 28 straight games following core muscle surgery.

The Knicks Are As Healthy As They've Been Heading Into The Home Stretch

The Knicks win paired with a Celtics beatdown in Miami leaves 2.5 games still between the two for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. New York's security on the third seed over Cleveland pushed up to 1.5 games. They go home to a cupcake matchup with the Bulls and four of the last five games played at Madison Square Garden.

Last night was a step in the right direction for building a semblance of momentum heading into the postseason. The team just needed a little Memphis medicine.

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