Karl-Anthony Cities delivered a standout efficiency on Tuesday evening, recording 26 factors, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his first triple-double in over three years because the New York Knicks powered previous the Dallas Mavericks, 128-113, at Madison Sq. Backyard.
Josh Hart additionally made historical past, ending with 16 factors, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, marking the primary time in franchise historical past that two Knicks teammates recorded triple-doubles in the identical recreation. Hart’s efficiency carried even higher significance—as his ninth triple-double of the season set a brand new franchise report, in keeping with the NBA.
The veteran guard was extremely environment friendly, capturing 6-of-9 from the sphere, together with an ideal 2-of-2 from past the arc, whereas additionally tallying two steals.
Cities dominated early, pouring in 24 factors earlier than halftime, serving to New York set up management. In the meantime, OG Anunoby led the workforce in scoring with 35 factors, because the Knicks showcased their offensive cohesion by doling out 40 assists on 53 made discipline objectives.
On the opposite aspect, Naji Marshall put up a career-best 38 factors for Dallas whereas grabbing seven rebounds, offering one of many few shiny spots for the struggling Mavericks. Brandon Williams added 22 factors, however Dallas didn’t maintain tempo within the second half, getting outscored 60-45. Anthony Davis, who not too long ago returned to motion, was held out of the competition because the Mavericks proceed to handle his workload.
Dallas have now dropped 10 of its final 13 video games, falling to 35-38 on the season. The hunch has seen it slip out of the play-in image, with Phoenix leapfrogging the Mavs into tenth place following its fourth consecutive win. With solely a handful of video games remaining, the Mavericks face an uphill battle to reclaim a postseason spot.
The Knicks, in the meantime, secured their second straight victory, enhancing to 45-26. They continue to be third within the Jap Convention, trailing the second-place Boston Celtics by 7.5 video games however holding a three-game cushion over the fourth-place Indiana Pacers. With the postseason looming, New York seems poised for a deep playoff push, constructing momentum on the proper time.
