Knicks defeat Wizards in preseason, 117-94, but still have much room to improve

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News on Oct 9, 2024

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NEW YORK — The 2-0 preseason record may look good for the Knicks, but their path to victory still leaves plenty to work on.

The Knicks secured a 117-94 victory over the Washington Wizards in a preseason matchup on Wednesday, but the slow start and inconsistent shooting signaled the need for growth ahead of their regular-season opener against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 22.

While the Knicks are still adjusting to their new-look roster, head coach Tom Thibodeau is focused on steady improvement with just three more tune-up games to go.

Slow start, Brunson dominates

The Knicks started hot with a 16-4 lead but quickly faltered, conceding a 14-0 run to the Wizards and finishing the first quarter down. Once again, Jalen Brunson had to put the offense on his back, scoring 17 of the team’s first 26 points. Brunson finished the game with 23 points in 23 minutes on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting night.

The rest of the starting lineup, however, struggled early on, combining for just 4-of-18 shooting before breaking the seal.

New York’s new Big 3

Karl-Anthony Towns struggled early, missing his first seven shots, including five 3-point attempts, continuing his 1-of-5 shooting performance from beyond the arc in the preseason opener.

However, Towns found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with a game-high 25 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.

While his shooting from deep remained off, Towns did significant damage by attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. His 3-of-12 start from beyond the arc through two games isn’t concerning given his history as a 40% shooter in five of the last seven seasons.

But this year’s Knicks offense is powered by more than just Towns — it’s a new-look trio: Brunson, Towns and Mikal Bridges, who is adjusting to a new role on offense. The former Nets No. 1 option showcased his versatility on Wednesday, adding 16 points, five rebounds and three steals on efficient 6-of-11 shooting night.

Whether cutting, spotting up, or facilitating, Bridges complemented the scoring efforts of both Brunson and Towns, and the three combined for 64 of the Knicks’ points in the win, laying the foundation for a balanced attack that New York will lean on throughout the season.

Extended starter minutes

Unlike in the opener, where Thibodeau limited his starters to 15 minutes each, the first unit played extended minutes on Wednesday, with Bridges logging 31 minutes and no starter playing fewer than 25. Miles McBride’s absence due to illness may have forced the Knicks to go deeper into the bench early, but Thibodeau noted pregame that his plan was always to gradually ramp up minutes.

“We’re building them toward the regular season,” Thibodeau said. “We’ll take it game by game.”

Stellar campaign continues

Cameron Payne once again proved why the Knicks’ front office was so high on him when they brought him in this offseason. For the second game in a row, Payne provided a spark off the bench, finishing with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting while also playing solid defense. His ability to push the pace and shoot from distance makes him a valuable asset behind Brunson.

Pregame, Thibodeau had noted how Payne’s versatility fits perfectly with the team’s three-guard lineups, though McBride (under the weather) missed Wednesday’s game.

“Speed and versatility,” Thibodeau said of Payne, McBride and Landry Shamet off the bench. “I think all three are comfortable playing with the ball in their hands and playing off the ball as well. So it gives you a different look and you can take advantage of that. They like to play fast, I think. Precious, when you put his athleticism along with it and Jericho, it’s a group that plays very effectively in transition. And their defense is terrific“They like to play fast, and it gives us different looks.”

Rookie standouts

Tyler Kolek, New York’s second-round pick at No. 34, impressed once again with his poise and leadership off the bench. In McBride’s absence, Kolek helped guide the second unit, contributing four points, two assists and two steals in the first half. His ability to control the tempo and make smart plays is already catching the attention of Knicks coaches.

There was also an Ariel Hukporti sighting.

The Knicks’ last pick in the 2024 draft showed flashes of what he could bring to the rotation should he get the opportunity. The 6-foot-11, 246-pound center displayed his physicality and rebounding ability, finishing with seven points and four rebounds in limited minutes.

Next up

The Knicks play three more preseason games — hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, then the Hornets on Oct. 15 before the preseason finale in D.C. against the Wizards on Oct. 18.

Wednesday’s victory was a step in the right direction, but the Knicks still have much to work on before facing the reigning champions on their own home floor.