BBNBA: Immanuel Quickley goes nuclear in Knicks win

Only two teams worth of Kentucky guys played in the NBA last night, so a brief recap today. But let’s talk some Immanuel Quickley.

Quickley hits seven threes in win over Rockets

Thanks to Immanuel Quickley and Julius Randle, the New York Knicks are no longer on a losing streak. Prior to yesterday’s triumph in Houston, New York had lost four straight and seven of eight dating back to late February. They had even fallen out of the NBA playoff picture and still haven’t climbed back in, sitting at the 12-spot in the East.

Immanuel Quickley’s heroics helped the Knicks get back in the winning column. He hit a career-high seven threes and led the Orange and Blue in scoring with 24 points. Check out his three-point barrage from his last night:

The unreliable Evan Fournier also had one of his better shooting nights, following IQ’s 24 with 23 of his own, and Julius Randle only made 6-18 shots but amassed 21 points to round out of the offensive attack.

New York’s schedule is easing up in the Holiday season and ideally they’ll jump back into the postseason race with games against the Pistons (twice), Thunder and Timberwolves coming up. The Houston win was just the start if New York wants to catch back up.

Kentucky Pistons combine for 22

You’d have to be a pretty hardcore NBA fan to know what Hamidou Diallo and Trey Lyles have been up to. The duo is pigeonholed in yucky, uninteresting Detroit, racking up reserve minutes and huge losses as they flank Cade Cunningham and Jerami Grant.

However, last night may have been the best combination of performances from the two of them all season. Diallo got the start and performed well with the promotion, making five of six shots for 12 points.

Lyles came off the bench for 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. Both guys are averaging a tick above seven points per game and neither has shot the ball well from deep. If they can’t figure out their deep stroke, especially Lyles, their NBA careers may be in flux.

Today in the NBA

7:00 p.m. Heat (Herro, Adebayo-OUT) @ Magic (Mulder)

7:30 p.m. Nuggets (Murray-OUT) @ Hawks

7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Warriors @ Celtics (Freedom)

8:00 p.m. Bucks (Cousins) @ Pelicans

9:00 p.m. Spurs (Johnson) @ Jazz

10:00 p.m. (ESPN) Lakers (Davis, Monk, Rondo)

10:00 p.m. Hornets (Washington, Richards) @ Trail Blazers

10:00 p.m. Grizzlies @ Kings (Fox)