It was bombs away for the New York Knicks who poured in 24 of 52 threes to beat the Washington Wizards 117-99 in game two of the preseason.
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New York’s ball movement and shooting were on display from the opening tip as the Knicks got off to a big lead early. Washington kept things competitive by attacking a front-court that was missing three rotation players including both starters. But the Knicks seemed to have this game in hand even when the score seemed close. They got three-pointer happy in the late second and early third quarter, but as long blue and orange ball-handlers attacked North to South there were dunks, lay-ups, kick-outs, and free throws available.
New York’s lead got up to 24 in the fourth quarter. RJ Barrett led the way in Julius Randle’s absence. Derrick Rose was the second-leading scorer, but it was a team effort as 6 players hit double-digits while no one scored higher than 18. Perhaps more impressive than the scoring, New York held Washington below 100 points despite a fast-paced game without any of their rim protectors present. Let’s have a closer look at the performances in this win.
The new Knicks set off a three-point barrage
Kemba Walker: Despite struggling with his jumper, Kemba Walker played a productive role in the victory. Julius Randle was out, leaving New York in search of a focal point on offense early. Walker quarterbacked well, spreading the touches and picking up some gorgeous assists to RJ Barrett in the corner. The former all-star didn’t attack the paint as much as I’d like, but he consistently found players to attack imbalances from the Washington defense…most of the time that player was Fournier.
Walker played 21 minutes and notched 6 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 turnovers on 2/7 from the field and 2/6 from three. Despite the low efficiency, Walker’s shot selection was fine. He was selectively aggressive and never had to force the issue thanks to quality ball movement. I think he was guilty of sharing the rock too much even. He’s good enough to be selfish at times and it can benefit others by drawing additional attention. Balancing between sharing and aggression is a tightrope though and it’s no surprise that Walker is working it out.
Evan Fournier: If there’s an unsung performance from this one, Evan Fournier’s game feels like a perfect candidate. Fournier was the third leading scorer and put some notches across the stat sheet but none of his production leaps off the page. The eye test is where his consistent pressure off the dribble and clever passing pops. The big free-agent acquisition racked up hockey assists, using the threat of his jumper to break past closeouts and finding open teammates in the ensuing chaos.
Fournier played 25 minutes, locking in 14 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 turnover. He shot just 3/9 from the field, 2/7 from three, and added 6/6 from the free-throw line. But the numbers don’t show how often New York’s ball movement was helped by quick decisions and heads-up passing from Fournier. He found seams in the defense and picked the right pass options. It’s also nice that both Evan Fournier’s assists went to Obi Toppin.
RJ Barrett: RJ Barrett had a slightly uneven performance. His jumper looked fantastic and when the team needed momentum, RJ always seemed involved in the success. But the third-year stud also had trouble protecting the rock and finishing inside. That’s not surprising with Randle off the floor and Washington swarming ball-handlers. RJ’s still learning to deal with defensive pressure though. His performance picked up as the game wore on and his defensive play against Bradley Beal was the true star of the show.
RJ played 31 minutes and shot 5/12 from the field, 4/8 from three, and 4/6 from the line. His jumper has reached a comfort level beyond anything we saw last season. Despite that, when the Knicks came out for the third quarter bricking a couple of shots, RJ attacked inside. His ensuing trip to the free-throw line sparked the offense. On the other end, he stayed in front of Bradley Beal and made the all-star work for every basket. All signs point to another step forward for the up-and-coming prospect.
Obi Toppin: Obi Toppin got a big opportunity to fill Julius Randle’s shoes in the starting line-up. For the first half, he felt tentative though as he went scoreless. In the second half, Obi got going with a tip-in. Then he made a trip to the free-throw line. Not long after that Toppin was knocking down three-pointers. Once the sophomore got into the flow of offense he was an explosive scorer. He put up 12 in the third quarter and helped New York to build an insurmountable lead.
Toppin put up 13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 3 turnovers in 28 minutes. He shot 5/9 from the field, 2/6 from three, and 1/2 from the free-throw line. Obi is night and day from how he looked at this point last year. He’s shooting with confidence and handling the ball much more comfortably despite some TO’s. The blocks were especially nice to see. New York’s interior defense took a hit in this game, but Obi’s effort was there.
Taj Gibson: My unabashed Taj Gibson fandom will continue for another performance. Gibson hit some lovely post moves on offense and stayed in position to help defenders the opposite way. He did struggle more to protect the interior against a big Wizards offense that buy legal trenbolone enanthate review in usa had elusive ball-handlers to help. But Taj filled the starting C role well once again.
Gibson notched 8 points and 6 rebounds on 4/7 from the field and 0/1 from three. His 22 minutes were the definition of solid. Of course, we got a glimpse of his legendary chemistry with RJ Barrett for the nicest bucket of Gibson’s night. Taj also took another corner three which put a smile on my face despite the miss. Taj does the coach asks and he helps everyone else on the floor.
Rose and Quickley look poised to lead a dominant second-unit again
Derrick Rose: Lock Derrick Rose into the sixth man of the year conversation already. Rose turned virtually every minute he touched the floor into some form of production. He got wherever he wanted and threw some absolute dimes when the defense stuck around. The former Bull shot lights out and also picked up intangible leadership moments along the way. Jericho Sims had struggled to contain Montrez Harrell and put the big man on the free-throw line in the third quarter, Rose quickly gave the young big an easy assist to keep him locked in. Despite a gigantic lead, Rose was boxing out Daniel Gafford late and shooting over him despite Gafford killing the Knicks on the glass and with blocks early. Rose is locked all the way in.
The former MVP needed just 19 minutes to put up 15 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 turnovers. He shot 4/7 from the field, 3/3 from three, and 4/4 from the stripe. He gave us a scare late in the game, limping after some awkward contact in the lane. But it sounded like everything was fine after the game and Rose seems poised to continue exactly where he left off last season. He’s the leader of a dominant bench unit.
Immanuel Quickley: It was a pair of step-back midrange shots that had me most excited from Immanuel Quickley’s performance. Quickley was elusive throughout the game, finally knocking down his jumpers to go along with clever passing and nice trips into the paint. He turned the ball over on a pair of charging fouls, but both of those attacks helped him create space for jumpers after.
IQ clocked 20 minutes for 11 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 3 turnovers. He shot 4/7 from the field and 3/5 from three. The sophomore’s ball-handling looks much improved, perhaps because he’s added some strength and balance. He cooked Raul Neto off the dribble and also showed some jab-step trickery along the way. When defenders dropped in coverage, we got to watch Quickley launched that lovely jump shot. It was good to see that three-ball falling and IQ’s growth could be a catalyst for the already strong second unit to get even better.
Alec Burks: The preseason has left Alec Burks as more of an outlet and afterthought than he was last season. Burks is a more clear-cut third option than at any point last year. That said, he showed in the fourth quarter that the microwave scorer can find his shot when he wants. The problem is that Burks’ shot wasn’t falling. I’m not concerned, this felt more like Burks getting some extra reps and work once the game was in hand. Don’t sweat the efficiency, he still looked great when he let the offense come to him.
Burks got 23 minutes to fire 2/10 from the field, 2/8 from three, and 1/2 from the free-throw line. He put up 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 TO. Those 10 attempts are good for second-most on the team, which is a great sign of the ball sharing that went on all night. Even when he pressed for offense, Burks got good looks and space to convert. He feels every bit as capable of those fourth-quarter explosions from last year when the situation calls for it.
Kevin Knox: I was really happy to Kevin Knox get rotation minutes and produce. Knox did all his damage in a hot-shooting first half, leading the Knicks in scoring for that span. His jumper looks as pretty ever and he’s playing with some aggression so far in the preseason. I still don’t see his play cracking the rotation, but so far the kid looks like a capable piece to come off the bench and help when needed.
Knox played 20 minutes and put up 12 points, 6 boards, and 1 assist. He shot 4/8 from the field and 4/6 from three. Kev hit all four of his three-pointers in the first half. The rebounding is a nice touch. The young vet’s been a talented scorer since his rookie season, but it’s his ability to defend and add value in other areas that have always been lacking. Some of Knox’s rebounds were tough grabs and that kind of effort can make a big difference in that big body.
Jericho Sims: Jericho Sims looks lost out there at times, his rim protection suffers because of his defensive awareness. But he also grabs ridiculous rebounds, flies to the rim for finishes, and flashes surprising touch when he throws up things like a third-quarter hook shot. His size, athleticism, and effort are enough to make up for most mistakes. He looks like a rookie out there, but he also shows a ton of promise.
Sims put up 7 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block in 26 minutes. He shot 3/6 from the field and 1/2 from the free-throw line. The former Longhorn clashed with Montrez Harrell most of the night and held his own. Harrell got points off and drew some fouls, but Sims never backed down or let his performance slip. He’s also got better hands than any other big on the team, although even he had a pass slip through his mitts once this time around. I think he can use reps in Westchester early to work on defensive awareness and positioning, but he might be ready to help at the pro-level even now.
McBride and Grimes: Rookies Miles McBride and Quentin Grimes entered the game for mop-up duty. McBride didn’t get many touches in his 3 minutes but managed to notch an assist. Grimes saw the floor with just under 2 minutes left on the clock. He knocked a pair of three-pointers, one off the catch and the second off the dribble. This is far too little time for any grand takeaways, but it was nice to see Grimes flash that jump shot.
The offense is shining, the defense is tough, and Thibs is still the loudest voice in the arena
Tom Thibodeau: Last year’s Knicks had a stifling defense but an unimaginative offense. They played at a slow, methodic pace and leaned heavily on isolation basketball. With some new weapons and better spacing, Tom Thibodeau’s offense looks completely renewed. New York’s defense is expected to slip in the absence of Reggie Bullock, but I think the loss has been exaggerated. This offense that looks so much more dynamic and modern will more than make up for the Bullock’s loss…RJ Barrett seems poised to help also.
The ball movement in this game lasted from the opening tip to finish, looking as good as we got all of last season. The defense held Washington below 100 points despite a breakneck pace for huge chunks of regulation. Thibs didn’t have many challenging choices to make even when the game was close. He did however stand out for yelling and using timeouts at the slightest signs of New York lightening up. After an 18-2 run, New York gave up back-to-back baskets…Thibs called time out. In the middle building a double-digit lead in the first half, a play broke down and you could hear Thibs cursing into his timeout. Big lead or no lead, starters or bottom of the bench, old or young; every player on this team is going to execute or Tom Thibodeau will chew them up and spit them out.
Closing Thoughts: After years of futility under the leadership of Jeff Hornacek and David Fizdale, it started to feel like many fans underestimated the impact of good coaching. It took one season under Tom Thibodeau to remind us how a quality coach can change a team. I think this season is poised to remind us about the power of continuity. The story of the year will probably focus on the positive impacts of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. They’ll deserve every bit of praise I’m sure. But through two preseason games, the scoring leaders have been the returning pieces. The chemistry we’re seeing is a result of continuity as much as it is great coaching and talent.
The Knicks are gonna be good. While the rest of the league gets hype about shiny new toys and players in new places, New York can have the best of both worlds. They’re bringing in a pair of upgrades for the starting unit, but they’ll improve at multiple positions because players have had a full offseason to develop their abilities to fit this system. Do you see RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and even Taj Gibson more comfortable from three? Have you noted IQ making reads for kick-outs and cutters? Those guys knew what Thibs expected and did the work to answer his call. New York’s about to make noise Knicks fam, and I’m looking forward to enjoying it with all of you!
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors and recaps throughout the 2021-22 season. In case you missed it, check out the exclusive KFTV documentary “Fantastic Voyage – The Story of Knicks Nation, The 16th Man” narrated by the legend Chuck D below!
