Knicks secure first winning season since 2013

The New York Knicks sealed their first winning season for eight years on Monday night with a comfortable victory against the Grizzlies. Memphis drop to ninth place in the West after losing their second straight game but remain primed for a place in the play-in tournament.

The Grizzlies began the better going 6-0 before giving up seven straight points as the teams exchanged leads throughout the opening period.

The Knicks slowly began to find their touch however, Derrick Rose providing inspiration off the bench as the Knicks went into the second with a three point lead.

The Knicks were brought to life by their bench and stretched their lead out to 10 points early in the second. Immanuel Quickley led the way with eight points including a pair of three's. Memphis refused to crumble and had the lead closed back to six but Randle & Rose combined for 20 points to give the Knicks an 11 point half time lead.

Randle & Rose each managed 10 points, Randle icing the quarter with a three pointer at the buzzer to give New York 44 in the second quarter. HT: Knicks 69-58 Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies came out with purpose in the third quarter and quickly closed to within five points of their opponents but that was as good as it got for Memphis as the Knicks were able to extend their half time lead by six points heading into the final period.

Memphis showed their grit once more to fight back in the fourth quarter as they again closed to within five points of the lead. This appeared to ignite the Knicks as Randle & Rose once again took charge. The two combined for 14 points in the final minutes to secure New York's 37th win of the season.

Things got worse for Memphis late on as Ja Morant was ejected but the game was already long gone at this point so it didn't have too big an impact.

The Knicks shot 51% from the field & 52% from three on their way to victory in Memphis with Julius Randle & Derrick Rose leading the way. Randle had 28 pts 6 rebs & 6 assists while Rose added 25 pts on 11 of 15 shooting from the bench.

Final Score in Memphis: Knicks 118-104 Grizzlies.