New York Knicks (49-25) beat New Orleans Pelicans (25-48) 121-116 at home on Tuesday, March 24.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Knicks struck first, taking the opening quarter 42-28 and a 14-point lead after one. The Pelicans cut into the deficit with a 32-24 second quarter, though the Knicks still led by 6 at halftime.
The Pelicans won the third 32-27 to stay in front, taking a 1-point lead into the fourth. The Knicks took the fourth 28-24; the Knicks finished the job for a 121-116 regulation win.
What decided it
The Knicks made 23.5 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 12.5 for the Pelicans. The Knicks grabbed 24.3% of their own misses, while the Pelicans recovered 15.8%. In a 5-point game, the points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
The Pelicans did win one battle, ball security: TOV% of 7.4 against 9.5. The Knicks made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 95 possessions per team, the Knicks produced 127.8 points per 100 possessions to 122.5 for the Pelicans.
The Pelicans' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 40-23.
Who made the difference
Jalen Brunson was the game's biggest individual force for NYK: 32 pts, 1 reb, 7 ast on 11-19 shooting. His Game Score of 25.5 led everyone. His team was +16 with him on the floor.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 22 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast on 8-10 shooting, good for a 19.5 Game Score.
Karl-Anthony Towns (21 pts, 14 reb, 1 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Knicks about a 87% chance.
Across the last 3 meetings in our records, New York Knicks lead 3-0.
The Knicks are now 49-25, and the Pelicans are 25-48. The Knicks last five before this game: W-W-W-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.