Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks game observations: Enes Kanter’s double-double not enough

By Rob Wolkenbrod

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 19: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 19, 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 19: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 19, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It appeared to be a lost night for the New York Knicks, until a second-half turnaround nearly reversed their luck.

The New York Knicks took a short road trip to the Barclays Center to face the Brooklyn Nets, two nights after a decisive win over the Atlanta Hawks. The same could not be said Friday, despite the close score. Brooklyn won 107-105.

This moved the Knicks to 1-1, which curbs some excitement from the opening night win. As always, though, there were observations from the on-court group, especially this early in the season. Who stood out? What were some of the issues?

  • Aside from sporadic spurts, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter were the offensive leaders. That was the case Wednesday and likely for the rest of the season unless Kristaps Porzingis returns around the December to February range.
  • Kanter’s 29 points and 10 rebounds marked his second consecutive double-double.
  • It was a tale of two halves, and the first one showcased defensive trouble for the Knicks, including the opening minutes of the third quarter. However, a timeout from head coach David Fizdale seemed to energize the team and spark a turnaround.
  • Someone who seemed comfortable before and after the offensive outburst, Kevin Knox scored 17 points on 50 percent shooting. He remained confident after a 4-for-16 opener. It will likely be a streaky ride with the rookie forward, but his scoring potential is tantalizing.
  • Mitchell Robinson was available to play, but he didn’t appear. Knox and Noah Vonleh are the backup big men, for now.
  • Frank Ntilikina was invisible offensively in the first half, but a quick five-point swing brought him into the game. He finished with nine points, four assists and three steals in 31 minutes.
  • However much stock is put into Plus/Minus, Ron Baker finished with the second-worst figure on the Knicks at -6.
  • Look out for a season-long struggle from behind the arc. Hardaway and Trey Burke can hit them consistently, but it’s difficult to know who else will provide production.
  • A not-so-hot game from Trier, which will happen. He picked up eight points on 2-for-8 shooting.
  • Remarkably, the Knicks lost on committing just three turnovers. The Nets had 22.
  • No matter what starting lineup Fizdale puts out there, Hardaway and Kanter are the only guarantees to find their buckets. Ntilikina took time to find a basket, Burke struggled and Lance Thomas plays for defensive purposes. It’s why this group might not last forever, and could use a change as the season moves further.

Next. 25 greatest players in franchise history. dark

There’s no time for rest, as the Knicks go back to Madison Square Garden for the second of a back-to-back on Saturday, Oct. 19 against the Boston Celtics, who also played Friday.

Home/Knicks News