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Knicks game notes, observations: Enes Kanter leads the second unit to win

ByRob Wolkenbrod|
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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)

The New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 115-96 at home. What were the notes and observations from this win?

The New York Knicks ended their five-game losing streak with a win over the Brooklyn Nets, 115-96. It pushed them to a 2-5 record and capitalized on their resilient efforts of the past two weeks.

As always, there were notes and observations to take away from New York’s performance, with more positives than usual in a runaway victory that trended their way from the third quarter and on. What stood out?

  • The Nets were all over the three-point line in the first quarter. They went 4-for-12 then and 7-for-26 for the rest of the game.
  • Another 20-plus point game for Tim Hardaway Jr. Given the early percentages, he will continue to score around a 42 percent clip. Not the most efficient, but he gets the job done.
  • Frank Ntilikina opened the game well, with two outside jumpers and some nice defensive work. The offensive production slowed down, but he still finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 32 minutes.
  • The young Frenchman’s outside shot seemed confident and stable, too, at 3-for-5. Another small step towards his development as a two-way player.
  • Hardaway and Ntilikina are probably the only starters with locked-in spots.
  • Enes Kanter was asked to lead the second unit, and he did indeed lead the second unit. 15 points and 15 rebounds in 26 minutes is more than enough. Though, his defensive issues were apparent in the given time, letting Jarrett Allen find space near the basket and having players drive past him with ease.
  • The Knicks outrebounded Brooklyn by 20. Seven players had at least 4 boards, including 5 each from Ntilikina, Hardaway and Damyean Dotson.
  • The Madison Square Garden crowd chanted “We want Baker” with minutes left in the game. Head coach David Fizdale responded swiftly and sent Ron Baker to the scorer’s table.
  • Emmanuel Mudiay quietly made his season debut in garbage time. For now, the low minutes dosage is an anomaly, as Fizdale wants to give him a chance.
  • Mitchell Robinson made the most of his time: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block on 5-for-5 shooting in 15 minutes.
  • Not much of a run for Trey Burke on 5 points. His 14 minutes were a season-low.
  • Allonzo Trier is in for a streaky rookie season, given his first seven games. It was a positive rebound performance Monday, with 12 points and 5 boards.

The Knicks will eye their first winning streak of 2018-19 on Wednesday, Oct. 31 against the Indiana Pacers. How spooky might this matchup be at the Garden?

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