Knicks vs. Heat, Game 1: Halftime Thoughts From MSG

After a somewhat shaky start, the New York Knicks put forth an impressive performance in the opening half of Game 1 against the Miami Heat.

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Behind a united 28 points from Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett, the New York Knicks have jumped out to a 55-50 lead over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have led by as much as 12 after falling behind by five in the first three minutes but have maintained a consistent lead since then, though Miami has started to nibble into it despite shooting 38 percent from the field. 

An ever-so-slight edge in fouls and three-pointers has helped Miami keep pace: they've been to the line nine times compared to only six for the Knicks and have sunk seven triples whereas the hosts have tallied only three on 16 attempts from deep.

Knicks Leaders

• Points: Jalen Brunson (15)
• Rebounds: Mitchell Robinson (6)
• Assists: RJ Barrett (4)

Heat Leaders

• Points: Gabe Vincent (14)
• Rebounds: Jimmy Butler (7)
• Assists: Jimmy Butler (3)

Paint Scheme

The Knicks' early prowess is part of a colorful affair, literally and figuratively. Of the Knicks' 32 points in the first quarter, all but 10 were scored in the paint, a trend brought about by the continued dominance of Robinson (a game-best X rebounds) and further solid fill-in duty for Josh Hart (who has retained a starting five spot despite Quentin Grimes return). Though Miami has inched back into the game and is preventing the Knicks from outright pulling away, New York isn't letting Jimmy Butler beat them: though he has hauled in seven rebounds and swiped two steals, South Beach's postseason hero has been held in relative check to the tune of 11 points.

Obi-Wow

Topping continues to rewrite the narrative of his New York career, once again making up for the production loss upon the medically-induced departure of Julius Randle. He'd perhaps be wise to lay off the triples (1-of-5 so far) but he's impressing defensively, has united with Robinson for 11 rebounds, and is a New York-best plus-12 when he's on the floor.

RJ's OK

Barrett (6-of-7 from the field) got off to a great start in the quest to prove that his performance in the opening round against Cleveland was not a fluke. Perhaps inspired by the draining interior antics of Robinson and Josh Hart, Barrett continues to invade the paint to score with strong crossover antics and also pulled in five rebounds. While the Heat have mostly stifled the passing lanes (only eight assists for the Knicks through 24), Barrett leads the Knicks with three thus far. 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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