Knicks 117, Wizards 94: Scenes from a successful debut for KAT and Mikal

Yesterday at 10:04 PM

Jalen Brunson easily drops 23 points, Karl-Anthony Towns logs a double-double, and the defensive duo of Anunoby-Bridges is as thefty as promised.

The New York Knicks (2-0) played their second game of the preseason and their first at home tonight, hosting the Washington Wizards (0-2). The game was special because it was the first time Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges got to play as members of the home team at MSG. It wasn't a very fair fight.

Despite KAT missing his first seven shots, New York took a 16-4 lead before bench guy Corey Kispert sparked a 14-0 Washington. Both teams struggled to shoot, but the Knicks' second-unit closed the gap, setting the table for Jalen Brunson and the starters to return and close the half ahead, 54-39. After intermission, Brunson and Bridges scored easily, KAT secured a double-double with 16 third-quarter points, Anunoby and Bridges shined defensively, and Jordan Poole's empty scoring couldn't offset Washington's turnovers (30 committed tonight!). In the final frame, New York pulled ahead by as many as 25 to close out the game, 117-94.

New York still has rust to knock off before the season starts, but Jalen Brunson is already in mid-season form (23 points, three assists, 7-of-10 FG). KAT's many misses were an anamoly—blame the shoddy shooting on MSG opening night jitters. He would finish with a 25-point, 12-board double-double, and his pick-and-roll game with Brunson was tantalizing.

Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby were thieves all night, combining for five steals and 21 points. Rookie Tyler Kolek impressed again (15 points, five assists, two steals, 17 minutes). And back-up center Ariel Hukporti (seven points, four rebounds, three steals, 16 minutes) played more aggressively and, hence, saw more floor time than Jericho Sims (2 minutes).

First Half

Karl-Anthony Towns missed his first seven shots tonight, but the disorganized Wizards allowed New York to take a quick 16-4 lead by midway through the first quarter, mostly from points in the paint.

Corey Kispert came off the bench for Washington to score five and spark a 14-0 run. With Deuce McBride out ("under the weather"), Cameron Payne led New York's bench with Deuce McBride out. Precious Achiuwa and Landry Shamet joined in soon after, and Jericho Sims and rookie Tyler Kolek checked in toward the quarter's end.

For the quarter, both teams shot atrociously from beyond the arc: New York hit 2-of-11 (18%) and the visitors made 2-of-9 (22%).

Knicks' rookie Ariel Hukporti anchored the paint to start the second quarter, while classmate Kolek shined as floor general with four points, two assists, and two steals in his six minutes. The Knicks' bench went on an 11-0 run and Kolek proved to be NBA-ready again. He will be invaluable in relief when Brunson rests this year.

At the six-minute mark, the starters returned. Though KAT struggled with his shot, he contributed in other ways, like setting a pick for a Brunson triple. New York's first unit finally began to gel and closed the half ahead, 54-39.

The Knicks stunk from deep in the first half (4-of-22) and were outrebounded 31-27, but they dominated the paint 34-18, logged nine steals, and took nine free throws to Washington's one. Brunson led all scorers with 17 points, while that fool Jordan Poole netted eight for the Wizards.

Second Half

More of the same followed intermission. Brunson and Bridges scored effortlessly. KAT continued to brick, but made his free throws (8-of-9 overall). Josh Hart was generous to a fault, passing up too many shots. Anunoby and Bridges were the defensive disruptors we were promised. And for the visitors, they suffered from a plague of turnovers and Poole continued to excel at scoring inconsequential points.

Despite the inefficiency, KAT collected 16 points in the third frame, securing a double-double for himself. In the third quarter, he and Jalen perfected their pick-and-roll game, which is already impressive. Watching these two play this season will be an absolute joy, Knicks fans.

Up 86-59 to start the fourth quarter, the Knicks continued roll. The second-unit returned, and Hukporti subbed in instead of Sims. Perhaps Thibs preferred the aggressiveness of the rookie? As for the other rook, it is confirmed: we heart Tyler.

Landry Shamet did not shoot as well as he did on Sunday in Charlotte. Cam Payne logged 14 points in his 23 minutes tonight. And TJ Warren played a couple of minutes for New York and showed some razzle-dazzle that pleased Clyde. Winning is fun.

Up Next

On Sunday, the Minnesota Timberwolves travel to NYC for a Donte DiVinceno revenge game. Rest up, Knickerbockers.