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New York Knicks: Who stepped up in the second preseason game?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 3: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during a pre-season game on October 3, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 3: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during a pre-season game on October 3, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 1: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks is seen 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: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks is seen 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) /

In a 107-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets, who from the New York Knicks stepped up?

After an overtime victory against the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks returned to the court on Wednesday to face the Brooklyn Nets. It was the second of five preseason games, with the continuation of early storylines, including the opening night lineup.

A slow start put the Knicks behind against Brooklyn, but strong second and third quarters pushed them ahead and led to a 107-102 victory.

Behind the win, three players stood out for New York. How did they perform to lead the team to another win?

3. Frank Ntilikina

When Frank Ntilikina entered the NBA, his offensive game was always a work in progress, despite the physical tools. While still the case, the young guard delivered a quality night at the main end of the floor.

In 20 minutes, Ntilikina averaged nine points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks. It happened off the bench and in multi-guard sets where he worked on and off the ball, which may become the case once the season starts.

The two blocks and one steal was where Ntilikina shined against Brooklyn, however. He went one-on-one with Spencer Dinwiddie, followed the Nets point guard to the hoop and swatted the attempted shot to keep it in play and create an extra possession for the Knicks.

Defensive play was always Ntilikina’s strong suit, and at age 20, he’s bound to improve and develop into one of the NBA’s most recognizable defenders.

Offensively will make or break how far the Frenchman goes in the league, but there’s ample time to let that come through. For now, he owns the acumen to make plays at the opposite end of the court and act as a valuable role player in 2018-19.

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