Whereas his All-Star teammates Karl-Anthony Cities and Jalen Brunson mixed for 80 factors Wednesday night time, fill-in starter Treasured Achiuwa additionally loved his highest-scoring recreation as a Knick of their additional time victory over the Hawks.
Achiuwa will slide again right into a lowered function as soon as injured Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby return in some unspecified time in the future after the All-Star break, however his 26-point efficiency on 12-for-16 taking pictures in a season-high 42 minutes as soon as once more confirmed his versatility as Tom Thibodeau’s crew improved to 36-18 forward of a seven-day respite.
“I’m just playing my game and trusting my game. I’m in a good rhythm right now,” stated Achiuwa, who has began the previous 5 video games at energy ahead with Anunoby sidelined with a sprained proper foot.
“It’s simply being prepared for no matter is requested of me and having the ability to carry out at no matter ranges are wanted for us to win video games. Nevertheless a lot I may be on the market, I simply need to win basketball video games.
“I think that’s the most important thing, is winning games, whatever it takes, and that goes for every guy in this locker room. Whoever is out there, they try to do whatever we can to help the team win.”
Achiuwa acquired up and out early Thursday morning following his large night time to seem at his former highschool, St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, to speak to college students and watch a basketball recreation between the Grey Bees varsity squad and a crew of NJ State troopers as a part of the Constructing Bridges program, an initiative developed to construct bonds of understanding and belief between communities of shade and legislation enforcement.
“It’s great for the community and the kids for them to be able to interact on a more personal level with all the different things out there. I think it’s great,” stated Achiuwa, who spent his sophomore and junior years on the college earlier than transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida. “I always felt St. Benedict’s was a very dear place in my heart. I love the school and I loved my time there. It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people.”
The 25-year-old Achiuwa’s scoring whole Wednesday night time was one level shy of matching his career-best whole of 27 with the Raptors in January 2023.
“Just the versatility,” Thibodeau stated Wednesday when requested about Achiuwa’s worth to the Knicks.
“I think, obviously, being short-handed and his ability to play the 4 and the 5. That’s a big plus. The offensive rebounding, the athleticism and the ability to switch [positions], particularly when you have Josh [Hart], OG and Mikal [Bridges] out there, as well.”
