The unsung hero is again.
Quentin Grimes, the Knicks prime perimeter defender, returned from a one-game absence due to an ankle sprain, beginning at capturing guard Friday in opposition to the Bulls.
Grimes was injured Tuesday and missed Wednesday’s contest in opposition to the Raptors, which, not coincidentally, grew to become a defeat that snapped the Knicks’ eight-game profitable streak.
Without Grimes, the Knicks allowed 113 factors — together with 52 to Pascal Siakam — whereas dropping for simply the second time in December.
“The thing is, obviously he’s an elite defender,” coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned. “He’s a terrific 3-point shooter. But that’s part of the season. You’re gonna have guys that miss games or foul trouble, whatever it might be. Next guy, get in there.”
Heading into Friday, the Knicks had been 7-2 when Grimes logged a minimum of half-hour. He’s neither flashy nor forceful on offense however Grimes’ 3-and-D expertise match effectively with the beginning lineup.
“He competes. I noticed that last year when he got minutes,” Julius Randle mentioned. “He doesn’t try to get out of character and do something he’s not comfortable doing offensively but I know defensively, he’s going to compete on the ball, he’s going to fight over screens, try to make it tough for the other guy and accept the challenge. You got to love a guy like that.”
The Knicks missed that sort of affect final season after the departure of Reggie Bullock in free company. Bullock, who began on the Knicks throughout the 2020-21 run to the playoffs, was changed final season by Evan Fournier, who doesn’t present the identical defensive aptitude on the perimeter.
Before Grimes went to the lineup, RJ Barrett was assigned to protect the opposition’s prime perimeter risk and he struggled. With Grimes, Barrett can focus extra on offense and that’s been evident in his manufacturing.
“You see it. [Grimes] is out there guarding the best ball handler every night. So, he comes with energy, making it tough on the other team,” Barrett mentioned. “Offensively, he’s shooting the ball really well, and he’s getting to the paint, so he’s doing a lot out there for us.”
Is he the brand new Bullock, who left for the Mavericks in free company?
“Yeah, for sure,” Barrett mentioned. “A great defender and really good shooter, so he’s really doing a lot for us, like I said, and we need him and we appreciate it.”
Still, Grimes has had a problem with sturdiness. He missed eight of the opening 10 video games this season with a foot damage. Last season, Grimes sat 14 of the ultimate 20 video games after partially dislocating his kneecap.
But so long as he’s on the market, Grimes helps the Knicks.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com