Knicks Welcome Back Brunson and Humble Houston (But is Quentin Grimes on the Way Out?)

Wednesday's win over Houston was the 41st game of the season for New York, which means we've reached the halfway point of the 2023-24 campaign.

Final Score: Knicks 109 - Rockets 94
Record: 24-17

Wednesday's win over Houston was the 41st game of the season for New York, which means we've reached the halfway point of the 2023-24 campaign. 

There have been plenty of ups and downs over the past three months. The team was struggling mightily on the defensive end before the OG Anunoby trade, only to peak during their five-game winning streak once OG arrived. Yet, after a disappointing loss in Dallas and two games without Brunson in the lineup, the vibes were far from immaculate. 

However, with Brunson back in action vs. the Rockets, the Knicks reminded folks how dominant they can be at full strength. After a sloppy first two quarters, New York hit their stride in the second half, outsourcing Houston 61-48. JB, who had missed two straight games due to a calf contusion, led the way, pouring in 20 points after the break. He finished with 30 points (11-of-21 FGs, 4-of-7 FTs), three rebounds, seven assists, and four 3-pointers.

As we detailed earlier in the week, Randle was inefficient offensively without his point guard (converting just 14 of his 39 FG attempts over the two contests), and he allowed that to negatively impact his effort on the defensive end. Randle was far more effective on Wednesday, tallying 31 points (11-of-18 FGs and 5-of-6 FTs), eight rebounds, four assists, one block, and four 3-pointers in 34 minutes.

"JB being back adds tremendous value to our team, so having the head of the snake, our PG back just helps us get a little more organized," Randle said.

It was the 68th time in his Knicks career that Randle poured in 30+ points in a single game, which pushed him past the late, great Willis Reed for the fifth most 30-burgers in franchise history.

Here are the top five:
1. Patrick Ewing (203) 
2. Carmelo Anthony (108) 
3. Richie Guerin (87) 
4. Bernard King (72) 
5. Julius Randle (68)