New York Knicks: Who stepped up in road win against Hawks?
![ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 7: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 7, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 7: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 7, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e01b50796625fc631f6a9307ff7ba473b403d117a810b0c018c9d325779e43e3.jpg)
Allonzo Trier
Stat Line: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 5-for-9 shooting, 1-for-2 on three-pointers
After a somewhat quiet two weeks to open the season, Allonzo Trier has found his groove for the New York Knicks. Six of his last seven games have topped double-digit points, including the first career start in place of Hardaway.
On Wednesday, Trier returned with another solid game 5-for-9 shooting for 16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. He faced no double-teams, unlike what the Bulls presented, and took advantage.
If there’s anyone to play the second-leading man behind Hardaway, at this point, it’s Trier. He holds alpha traits, with a ball-dominant personality that lets him create his own shot and make slick moves to the hoop.
Plus, Fizdale has confidence in Trier to play isolation basketball, unlike anyone else on the roster.
For now, look for Trier to stick on the bench. He’s their primary outside scorer off the pine, especially with Mario Hezonja‘s inconsistencies for three weeks, Knox’s continued road to a full role and Trey Burke‘s demotion.
The undrafted free agent doesn’t dominate from the perimeter, but it’s also not necessary for him, as long as he finds avenues to the rim and creates those mid-range jumpers that put defenders on ice.
.@ISO_ZO SENT HIM OFF THE SCREEN 😱 pic.twitter.com/rq7lmsclKO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 8, 2018
Like Hardaway, let’s see how the Raptors try to control Trier. Entering Wednesday, they were 8th in the NBA in points allowed per game and only let teams shoot 42.9 percent.