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New York Knicks: Who stepped up in the preseason opener?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 01: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles past Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards during the second half of a preseason NBA game at Capital One Arena on October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 01: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles past Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards during the second half of a preseason NBA game at Capital One Arena on October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 1: Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards during pre-season game on October 1, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 1: Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards during pre-season game on October 1, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks won Monday’s preseason opener against the Washington Wizards and saw players make an impression.

The New York Knicks returned to the court after over five months off for Monday’s preseason opener against the Washington Wizards. After some speculation, head coach David Fizdale rolled out a starting lineup of Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Kevin Knox, Lance Thomas and Enes Kanter to kick off the game.

However, through this 53-minute contest, the Knicks inserted the entire roster—sans Joakim Noah—into the game to showcase for the coaching staff.

After a 124-121 win, who stood tall as the players that made an impact? Which ones may receive a longer look as the preseason continues?

5. Lance Thomas

Never known as a scorer, Lance Thomas topped double-digit points just five times in 2017-18. Only 10 times did he hit more than one three-pointer, too. Though, in Monday’s preseason opener for the New York Knicks, that changed.

Thomas came out of the gates firing, with a quick and efficient 4-for-5 shooting and 2-for-3 from behind the arc for 12 points in 16 minutes. It happened as a starter, as head coach David Fizdale insert him into the lineup over Mario Hezonja.

Thomas played a hybrid forward role in the lineup, without battling under the boards for rebounds, which resulted in zero. A somewhat minor surprise for his final statistical output, but the offense mostly saw him around the top of the key and even in distributor situations.

The starting lineups throughout the preseason may change, which potentially puts Thomas on the bench. If he continues to shoot like this, there should be more opportunities for extended playing time and a spot in the opening night lineup.

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