Apr 5, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (6) shoots over Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. / Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Who would have thought that the first game after the Knicks clinched a first-round matchup against the Cavaliers, history would be made.
During New York’s 138-129 win over the Pacers on Wednesday night, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes did something that hasn’t been done in a Knicks uniform in over 40 years, and something that has never been done.
Grimes, Quickley and Toppin became the first three 30-point scorers in a game for the Knicks since March 24, 1979 (Ray Williams, Earl Monroe and Toby Knight). This is the third time in franchise history this has happened.
They were also the first trio of teammates ever with 30-plus points and five or more made three pointers, according to NBA.com.
“That’s big time,” Grimes told MSG of the stat after the win. “That’s unselfish basketball right there, you love to see it.”
“We just did a lot of the right things,” Toppin said after the game. “I think we had 33 assists today so we were moving the ball, playing in transition, playing a lot faster and having a lot of fun out there.”
And while the spotlight was on the Knicks’ young trio of scorers, it wouldn’t be coach Tom Thibodeau without him giving the hard-nosed players the love. He was asked what he thought was most impressive about Wednesday night’s game and he quickly said, “Mitchell.”
Mitchell Robinson posted 14 points and came down with 16 rebounds and seven blocks on the night. He towered over an undersized Pacers team and provided his teammates with the confidence to shoot at will knowing he was there to get the rebound.
“Mitch had a monster game so a Iot started with that,” Thibodeau said. “The rebounding and Mitchell, just was unbelievable. And then Quick and Quentin and then Obi was terrific as well. But the way the ball moved, 138 points, 33 assists, really, really strong play.”
The Knicks actually had 34 assists Wednesday, but the point remains. Without Jalen…
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