The Knicks put a beating on the Pistons in preseason Tuesday night time, 117-96, which provides us lots to debate within the optimistic column. Here are eight ideas on the Knicks’ first recreation since May:
STARTING LINEUP CLICKED
Jalen Brunson was the headline in his debut however all 5 starters, most notably Julius Randle, have been optimistic elements of their domination. We’ve contemplated Randle’s function on this offense now that Brunson will command the ball and RJ Barrett takes his subsequent step. We noticed the perfect state of affairs in opposition to the Pistons, with Randle ready for his alternatives within the third quarter, getting open appears and dunking in transition. Sure, there have been a pair instances Randle remoted too removed from the basket and stopped the ball motion. But his closing stat line was indicative of his effectivity — 18 minutes, 15 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists, zero turnovers. The starters amassed 13 assists with simply 4 turnovers. That kind of ratio didn’t occur a lot final season.
CAM REDDISH’S LATEST SETBACK
It simply seems like Reddish’s tenure right here is snake-bit. He acquired a larger alternative Tuesday with the reserves due to Quentin Grimes’ foot damage, however Reddish lasted solely 11 minutes earlier than spraining his ankle on a fluke play close to the sideline. It appeared Reddish tripped over the referee.
“It looked like something happened down there, it was like a transition play,” Thibodeau mentioned. “So I don’t know exactly what transpired.”
Reddish was in all probability due for extra minutes towards the top of final season when the Knicks misplaced their motivation for a playoff push, however the former lottery decide broke his shoulder. A sprained ankle clearly isn’t debilitating however there’s no spot within the rotation for Reddish if the opposite wings are wholesome.
BENCH MOB
Perhaps the Knicks’ best energy is their depth, which is giving the reserves confidence they will signify one thing particular this season. We noticed flashes of the potential Wednesday with their velocity and playmaking, as newcomer Isaiah Hartenstein introduced a distinct factor as a stretch-5.
The German, who nailed two 3-pointers, in contrast New York’s bench favorably to his Clippers’ of final season, which completed within the top-5 in factors, rebounds and assists.
“I think it could be one of the best benches in the league, to be honest,” Hartenstein mentioned.
“I think last year I was on a really good bench, too. And I think it’s probably on the same level as that — probably even more playmaking in this unit than even with the Clippers. So, I’m excited.”
ROSE CAMEO
Derrick Rose’s first recreation in over 9 months lasted simply six minutes. Holding again the oldest participant on the roster made sense — particularly coming off that ankle surgical procedure final season — and Thibodeau mentioned he wished an prolonged take a look at level guard Deuce McBride.
“I know where (Rose) is,” Thibodeau mentioned. “(His minutes) will get increased as we go forward.”
McBride capitalized with six steals in 26 minutes. Assuming the Knicks wish to restrict Rose’s load by sitting him in back-to-backs, the second-year defensive specialist ought to get necessary alternatives.
GOAT ON THE GLASS?
Essentially unprompted within the postgame presser, Thibodeau referred to as middle Mitchell Robinson “the best offensive rebounder in the league.” The coach doesn’t assign these labels evenly, and maybe that provides us a greater understanding of why the Knicks dedicated $60 million to Robinson.
“He’s incredibly strong. And he has great anticipation. He’s a freak athlete, the things he can do are special,” Thibodeau mentioned.
The numbers largely affirm Thibodeau’s declare. Robinson was second within the NBA final season in offensive rebounds behind solely Memphis’ Steven Adams. He was additionally among the many leaders in offensive rebound share. Of course, it helps that Robinson operates virtually completely across the rim.
TOPPIN’S WAYWARD SHOT
A summer season away didn’t diminish Obi Toppin’s reputation at MSG. He acquired the largest cheers and Toppin rewarded the gang with a windmill dunk. But he additionally missed 4 wide-open 3-pointers, together with an airball from the nook. The capability to unfold the ground will get Toppin on the court docket extra typically, however defenses gained’t respect the kind of capturing from Tuesday.
QUICKLEY’S GOAL
Immanuel Quickley has a said purpose to lift his field-goal share, which is unquestionably attainable after he shot below 40% the final two seasons. To that finish, Quickley added weight — crossing the 190-pound threshold for the primary time in his life — and labored on his ending across the rim. Aside from his elite floater, Quickley struggled to transform contained in the paint throughout his first two seasons. We noticed a results of his offseason within the second quarter Tuesday, when he took off along with his left foot, absorbed contact on the rim and completed an and-one along with his left hand.
“We call that goofy-foot finish — me and (assistant coach) Johnnie Bryant,” Quickley mentioned. “We work on that every day.”
GLAD TO BE BACK
Tuesday marked the primary recreation for the reason that pandemic began that reporters have been allowed within the MSG locker room. I used to be blissful to see Mitchell Robinson stays as hysterical as ever. But the presence of Marc Berman, the longtime NY Post beat reporter who retired earlier than the season, is already missed.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com