The New York Knicks showed grit and some defense, while Willy Hernangomez had a career night against the San Antonio Spurs.
The New York Knicks’ performance in San Antonio finally left something to be said to the armchair quarterbacks, pessimistic fans, and Carmelo Anthony about the triangle offense: it can work if you try.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas had a second consecutive impressive outing. Willy Hernangomez had a career-high in points after a dramatic third quarter. Derrick Rose (24 points, 5 assists) helped move the ball around the court quite well without Anthony on the court.
The Knicks even showed some signs of defense in a near comeback in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs, holding them to 17 points and scoring 31 of their own.
It was encouraging to see the younger guys play with heart. They’ve even played strong while Kristaps Porzingis has shown signs of exhaustion and being worn down from nagging injuries.
Although the losing streak continued, something is to be said of the Knicks rookies’ level of energy.
This has become the most crucial point of the year for some players, while others have already had their season put out on the backburner.
As for any players on the Knicks who are still confused about the direction the team is taking, Jeff Hornacek has already made his position clear that the triangle is here to stay.
Thou Shall Not Foul
It shouldn’t go without mentioning that Kristaps Porzingis’ foul trouble needs to be addressed immediately. Hernangomez is becoming an absolute workhorse, but he certainly needs help from another big man to be truly effective.
This will not happen in any game that Porzingis has committed three fouls in the first quarter. He’s finding trouble staying in the game at times.
Tonight was an especially quiet shooting night for him with only eight shot attempts over the course of the game. He was certainly made uncomfortable throughout the game with LaMarcus Aldridge smothering him on defense.
He also had as many rebounds as he did turnovers. Thankfully, that number only reached five.
Great Play From Hernangomez, Kuzminskas
As for Willy Hernangomez and Mindaugas Kuzminskas, they both played lights out. Hernangomez posted his eighth double-double of the season and had a career-high 24 points. He still has a lot of game to develop defensively and needs to be much more assertive when inside the paint.
Otherwise, there simply isn’t enough to say about his effort, potential, and finishing ability at the basket.
Kuzminskas also had a substantial 19 points, tying his career-high. He added a pair of assists, as well as playing error-free without turning the ball over. He appears to be getting comfortable, proving deadly from 3-point range.
Finishing at 60 percent on the night is more than efficient; its outstanding. With time, more minutes, some development, and a full season operating in the triangle, he may be capable of becoming a key component to improving this team.
In short, there’s no doubt the Knicks are going through the motions to put this season in the past. In the meantime, at least Phil Jackson gave us rookies that resemble quality players.
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The New York Knicks end the week at 27-46 and next face the Detroit Pistons at home at Madison Square Garden.