ESPN “First Take” commentator Stephen A. Smith was shocked by New York Knicks heart Karl-Anthony Cities’ 44-point outing in Wednesday evening’s 116-107 come-from-behind win over the Miami Warmth.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith praises Karl-Anthony Cities for serving to the New York Knicks rally towards the Miami Warmth
Extra importantly, Cities had the fourth-most factors for the Knicks towards the Warmth. Jamal Crawford scored 52 in 2007, Carmelo Anthony had 50 at Miami in 2013, and RJ Barrett posted 46 in 2022.
New York additionally ended the third quarter on a 30-10 run, turning a 70-57 deficit into an 87-80 lead. Jalen Brunson scored 18 of his 22 factors within the second half as properly.
“We all know what [Towns] can do offensively. He’s one among, if not, the very best capturing huge man in basketball,” Stephen A. Smith mentioned. “He’s a catch-and-shoot man more often than not as properly, which is essential.
“We’d like that… We’d like any person that may unfold the ground. … Jalen Brunson’s gonna do his factor, however he’s received to have assist, and it does assist if you’re 6-foot-10 and [you can] pull up from 3 at 38% [shooting].”
Cities has posted a minimum of 40 factors and 10 rebounds for the eleventh time of his NBA profession
Cities, who turns 29 on Nov. 15, has now recorded a minimum of 40 factors and 10 rebounds for the eleventh time in his profession, which is ranked ninth within the NBA since Cities was drafted in 2015.
In a three-team blockbuster commerce with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets final month, the Knicks traded Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for Cities, and the Wolves acquired a 2025 top-13-protected first-round decide from New York by way of the Detroit Pistons.
The Knicks are 2-2 with Cities via 4 video games this season.
When Stephen A. Smith was requested what he’s apprehensive about with the Knicks, he sighed for a second earlier than mentioning, “They let go of Julius Randle, which is ok. I actually want we might have stored Donte DiVincenzo. … We’ll see what occurs.
“However with Karl-Anthony Cities and Jalen Brunson, they received to be that one-two punch, which I believe they might be. And [OG] Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, these are our defensive stars, so we’re going to be alright defensively.”
New York visits Detroit on Friday evening for the second recreation of a four-game journey.
