New York Knicks: Who stepped up in narrow loss to Pelicans?
Trey Burke
Trey Burke opened the 2018-19 season as the New York Knicks starting point guard, until he fell to a backup role and fell to the third string. It happened within three weeks, and even became a rotation casualty.
Fizdale dropped Burke’s role to not playing via coach’s decision once Mudiay returned. The rotation was stuffed with players, including Knox’s return, and forced someone out.
For three games, it was at Burke’s demise.
Well, without hesitation, and after a blowout loss to the Thunder, Fizdale gave the Michigan product minutes from start to finish, and it succeeded; he had a season-high 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting in 25 minutes.
Burke looked no part of someone unable to receive playing time. Like Mudiay, he was red-hot at one point.
Fizdale even played all three point guards, rather than sitting one of them. That resulted in Mario Hezonja‘s minute-less night, but Burke stepped up and likely locked down a role for the upcoming games.
If Hezonja’s position on the bench doesn’t last for long, though, someone will take the next “DNP-Coach’s Decision.” That places pressure on Burke to perform each night, along with the other players that find their minutes fluctuating.
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The Knicks will try for their fifth win of the season on Sunday, Nov. 18 vs. the Orlando Magic, who they were dominated by on Veteran’s Day. It’s at 6:00 p.m. ET on MSG.