Knicks dominate second half to overcome Trail Blazers
- The Knicks outscored the Trail Blazers 60-35 in the second half after initially trailing.
- OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges each played pivotal roles, scoring 28 points.
- The victory highlights the Knicks' ability to rally together in the absence of key players.
On March 30, 2025, the New York Knicks faced the Portland Trail Blazers in a notable NBA match. The game took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where both teams had coveted aspirations for victory amidst their competitive schedules. The Knicks entered the game without one of their key players, Jalen Brunson, who was sidelined due to a sprained right ankle. His absence put considerable pressure on other team members to step up their performances, especially OG Anunoby, who was tasked with carrying a larger scoring load. In the first half, the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm and found themselves trailing the Trail Blazers 58-50 at halftime. However, a monumental shift occurred after the break when the Knicks made a striking comeback, outscoring Portland 60-35 in the second half. Anunoby and Mikal Bridges each scored 28 points, with Bridges contributing significantly during the second half, proving to be a game-changer with 21 points in the final two periods. Josh Hart also played a crucial role by contributing 14 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. This resurgence allowed the Knicks to showcase their scoring prowess and ultimately take control of the match. The performance of the Trail Blazers in this game reflected both individual skill and collective inconsistency. Although Deni Avdija had an impressive individual performance by scoring 33 points, the team struggled significantly in the second half. After a strong second quarter, where they managed to outscore the Knicks, the Blazers could only make 14 baskets for the remainder of the game. Anfernee Simons also had a rough game, shooting only 5 for 20 from the field, which exemplified the Blazers' shooting woes. The key moment in the match came when Anunoby performed a dunk that closed out a critical 9-2 run, giving the Knicks a narrow lead of 79-78 at the end of the third quarter. This shift marked the first time New York held a lead since late in the second quarter and served to energize both the players and the fans. The Knicks' second-half performance underscored their determination and resilience, solidifying their victory in a manner that keeps them optimistic for their upcoming matches, including the next game against the Philadelphia 76ers.