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New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. leads NBA 2019 All-Star weekend

By Rob Wolkenbrod

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks reacts during the 2019 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest during the 2019 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on February 16, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks reacts during the 2019 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest during the 2019 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on February 16, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks had an entertaining weekend during the Friday and Saturday All-Star festivities.

Once, it seemed the New York Knicks would not partake in the 2019 NBA All-Star weekend. They had no one worthy to play in Sunday’s showcase, but events extended beyond this and that trended in the Knicks favor.

Kevin Knox was a late addition to the Team USA vs. Team World Rising Stars game on Friday night, replacing the injured Lonzo Ball. This matchup featured the NBA’s best rookies and sophomores, with Jayson Tatum topping 30 points and Kyle Kuzma taking the MVP.

In 16 minutes, Knox had 11 points on 5-for-9 shooting off the bench. He added two rebounds and one assist in an otherwise quiet night with Team USA starters dominating the evening.

On Saturday, due to the recent Kristaps Porzingis trade, Dennis Smith Jr. represented the Knicks in the slam dunk contest. He faced Hamidou Diallo, John Collins and Miles Bridges.

Smith’s first two dunks placed him in the final round, albeit losing to Diallo. This was due to a failed attempt on the Knicks point guard’s first try, as participants can only miss three dunks before their turn ends.

Smith had recording artist J. Cole assist on one dunk. Two NBA greats also helped on another:

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While Smith’s final round was disappointing, it still marked a successful night for the sophomore guard. This was even his second consecutive appearance in the dunk contest, as he finished third in 2018.

Maybe the Knicks will have more All-Star representation in 2020. Mitchell Robinson was left off the Rising Stars game, but his play of late has not fallen. Knox could reappear, as well, along with whoever the front office selects in the 2019 NBA Draft.

For the actual All-Star game, unless the Knicks sign a marquee free agent, they might find themselves without a player involved for the second straight year; Kristaps Porzingis was selected in 2018, before tearing his ACL and never playing another game for New York.

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This was another entertaining All-Star weekend. In the meantime, the Knicks won’t return to the court until Friday, Feb. 22, against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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