The Knicks are back on the schedule to face Zion’s Pelicans on Tuesday evening.
New York is just half a game behind the Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the East. Would you believe it!?
Here’s the latest.
Mike Brown
On Mikal Bridges’ history of production:
“He’s shown time after time that he’s a high-level player. And he’s done it. I’ve been
around many players who have gone through their ups and downs throughout the course of the season. And he works at it very hard. And he cares at a high level. Usually when you have that combination from a veteran guy that’s produced the way he’s produced in the NBA, it tends to lead to good results, eventually.”
On Tyler Kolek playing two games in one day:
“That’s an amazing feat. To play in a G-League game in the afternoon and come play in an NBA game, it’s gotta be a weird feeling. But these guys are pro athletes, they do a great job taking care of their bodies and our performance group does a good job with them in that area too. For them to be able to do that, to me, is an amazing thing. And then the group came out and I thought they played well. It was fun to see Tyler hit some shots and hear the crowd cheering his name.”
On Jordan Clarkson setting an example:
“One hundred percent. Not just for guys who are in a funk, but guys who are not playing. You might only play 20 minutes tonight — or may only get five shots. You may sit down here. But you’re talking about the former Sixth Man of the Year — that should tell anybody and everybody that if he can handle that as professional as he is, then anybody on this team should be able to handle it. From minutes to shots to whatever it may be. That should definitely send a message to everybody loud and clear.”
Josh Hart
On the unfair criticism of Mikal Bridges:
“He’s been doing what’s been asked of him. And I’ve said it before — when you’re a guy who, for a year and a half with the Brooklyn Nets when you’re the No. 1 guy and he’s getting those plays called for him. Last year, he didn’t have many plays called for him. This year, he probably has even less plays called for him. So obviously there’s a mental hurdle he needs to get through and that’s something where some of us can help him. I think he gets some of that unfair flak just because he’s doing what’s asked of him. And if we were to sit there and say, go shoot 15 shots a game, he would be efficient and he could do it. But that’s not what’s been asked of him.”
On trying to help Bridges find his rhythm:
“Try to make sure to get him involved a little bit more, get him the ball when he’s running in transition, get him in position to be successful. He’s been doing what’s been asked of him.”
On Zion Williamson’s talent level:
“Extremely talented. When he’s locked in and he’s focused, he’s one of probably 15 or 20 top players in the league, if not better.”
On Williamson posing a challenge to the Knicks:
“He’s a freak of nature. I say that with all due respect. He’s obviously extremely explosive, the way he’s able to maneuver and contort his body, and he has a great touch around the rim. That’s going to be a challenge for us. We got to make sure we’re just solid. Don’t swipe down. Don’t smack down. And try to make him finish.”
On Williamson’s skill set and natural abilities:
“I think what’s really impressive is that first burst but also his second jump. When I first saw him, the way he shoots the ball around the rim, you’d think he has no touch. But he has an amazing touch. And the ones where he doesn’t, he has a quick enough second jump where he’s able to get the rebound and sometimes before guys even get off the ground.”
Jalen Brunson
On Tyler Kolek’s professionalism:
“It’s tough. He was able to play well down there and then came here and continued it. That’s just him being professional, that’s him being himself. We have a lot of guys on this team that are very high character, very good work ethic and he’s one of them. That’s just who he is.”
On Jordan Clarkson’s perseverance:
“It can be example for anybody. It doesn’t matter where you are in your career. Things may not be going your way and continue to work, continue to persevere. And you never know when things are going to fall into place.”
Karl-Anthony Towns
On Clarkson’s impact off the bench:
“When he’s doing that he’s playing with that fire and that passion he has, there’s not many players in the NBA coming off the bench you feel better about.”
On ignoring the standings:
“Honestly, I’m not even looking at the standings. I didn’t even know that. I’m just focused on this locker room and this team. We can’t control Boston losing, Detroit losing.”
