Karl-Anthony Cities’ taking pictures hunch since getting back from a thumb harm continued Saturday night time, with simply 11 factors on 3-for-11 taking pictures within the Knicks’ loss to the Lakers.
The primary-time All-Star starter is averaging 17.5 factors whereas taking pictures simply .432 from the ground and 20 % (4-for-20) from 3-point vary in six video games since lacking two with a sprain and a bone chip in his proper thumb in mid-January.
“Simply didn’t shoot nicely tonight,” Cities mentioned after Saturday’s sport. “I received my alternatives. Final sport [against the Nuggets], I didn’t shoot nicely from 3, and I haven’t been taking pictures nicely from 3, however I received greater than sufficient expertise excluding my shot to make one thing occur.
“I simply didn’t do it right this moment. It’s robust, however hold your head up, transfer on and prepare for the subsequent one.”
The Lakers have been taking part in with out injured All-Star middle Anthony Davis, who was dealt to Dallas after the sport in a blockbuster commerce that introduced Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.
“They have been swarming, and after they went small, they have been doubling KAT,” Tom Thibodeau mentioned. “We gotta make photographs whenever you’re getting double-teamed.”
Josh Hart’s seventh triple-double of the season made him the primary Knick since Micheal Ray Richardson in 1981-82 and solely the third participant in franchise historical past to document seven or extra in a single season.
Hart is one shy of Walt Frazier’s franchise document of eight triple-doubles, established in 1968-69.
Treasured Achiuwa recorded season highs with 15 factors and 15 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench in opposition to the Lakers. It marked his first sport of at the least 15 in each classes since additionally posting 15 and 15 with the Raptors in opposition to Boston in October 2021.
Cities on LeBron James’ 33-point triple-double at age 40: “He’s LeBron, so I don’t anticipate something much less. … Clearly, God’s blessed him with the expertise and longevity to maintain doing what he does at this age.”
Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) are out for the Rockets, whereas All-Star middle Alperen Sengun (calf) is questionable. OG Anunoby (sprained proper foot) and Hart (proper knee soreness) are questionable for the Knicks.