Knicks rookies
Kevin Knox: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3-for-5 shooting, 2-for-2 on three-pointers
Allonzo Trier: 8 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3-for-4 shooting, 1-for-2 on three-pointers
Mitchell Robinson: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4-for-4 shooting
Instead of just one, it’s worth spotlighting all three New York Knicks rookies. They were contributors towards this stunning win, whether on offense or defense.
Kevin Knox quietly missed the first double-double of his NBA career. Head coach David Fizdale gave him 25 minutes to work with, resulting in multiple three-pointers and two trips to the foul line, which he’s found with ease to open the season.
This was Knox’s second consecutive game outside the starting lineup, but he played more than the small forward, Mario Hezonja, who drifted out after 13 minutes.
Allonzo Trier’s hype has simmered over the past two weeks. Since the 16-point game against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 7, he has 9.0 points on 40 percent shooting. With 36.4 percent from behind the arc, it’s not all silent, and he provides other statistics, but the scoring has quieted.
Wednesday’s game didn’t mark a breakout, but he delivered eight points on 3-for-4 shooting and made an outside shot in 15 minutes. So, it was an efficient night to keep fresh.
.@23savage____ invited you to his block party 🤚 pic.twitter.com/GbJ7KTNT9S
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 22, 2018
Mitchell Robinson rounds out the rookies. His eight points and four rebounds were impactful, but the defensive work brings the Knicks to another level. That happened with eight blocks and the consistent alteration of shots, even if he didn’t get a hand on then.
Robinson picked up four fouls in 16 minutes. The frequency is an early concern, as it has been persistent in his month-long NBA run. But, with experience, he should find more control to take another step as a defender.