Allonzo Trier
Stat Line: 25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 9-for-12 shooting, 3-for-3 on three-pointers
Allonzo Trier‘s career-high was 23 points entering Friday’s game. He neared 20 points in other games, but it was almost three weeks since he last did this.
In Friday’s win over the Pelicans, he equaled the 23 points and added two more in the fourth quarter to provide his best mark yet. It was also a team-high total for this game, which was necessary for this game’s events.
Trier stepped up for Hardaway, who had just five points on 2-for-15 shooting. The veteran guard has been on his game almost every night, and the New York Knicks needed that. Otherwise, games were difficult for them to win.
But, with Hardaway’s struggles, Trier rose to the occasion in the backcourt. So did Mudiay. That didn’t nearly emphasize the starting shooting guard’s woes. Without their play and a loss, this may have taken over the game’s storylines.
For Trier, with this starting lineup seemingly sticking, Friday may not have clinched a spot among the five. Not the worst thing, as the rookies off the bench was something Fizdale wanted him, Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox to experience.
“Bringing them off the bench now, they can see the game happening in front of them and go in with a feel for how the game’s being officiated,” said Fizdale before the game. “If they get two fouls, so what?”
The New York Knicks will return to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Will they make it three straight wins?