NBA Power Rankings Week 19: April review and the rising Phoenix Suns
By Corey Rausch
8. New York Knicks
Last Week: Lost to Phoenix Suns 118-110, Beat Chicago Bulls 113-94
This Week: 5/2 at Houston Rockets, 5/3 at Memphis Grizzlies, 5/5 at Denver Nuggets, 5/7 at Phoenix Suns
What a month April was for the New York Knicks. They wracked up 11 wins, tied for third-most in the league during that time. They have cemented themselves as a playoff team, competing for homecourt in the first round of the playoffs. Julius Randle has forced his way into the All-NBA conversation and Tom Thibodeau into the Coach of the Year.
The Knicks finished April ranked third in offensive and defensive rating, the only team in the top three of both categories. It is hard to imagine a team with his type of talent profile being able to accomplish either of those feats. This month was something special for the Knicks and it has reignited the fan base in a joyous way.
Randle is the belle of the ball. Over the month he averaged 27.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.2 steals a game. He shot an exceptional 42.7 percent from distance, one of five Knicks to attempt at least 3.5 3-point shots per game and hitting over 41.0 percent. This 3-point barrage has turned the Knicks into the top three offense they were in Apri and could make them a tough out in the postseason.