New York Knicks drop consecutive preseason games with loss to Hawks

The New York Knicks dropped their second consecutive game of the preseason, 100-96, on Wednesday night.

On Wednesday, the New York Knicks, again, failed to defend home court as a sold-out crowd watched them suffer a disappointing loss to Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, 100-96. According to Coach David Fizdale, this and Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans were to be about the point guard position and defense. Where was that defense? Who is the point guard?

Fizdale said that the team had extensive practices that focused on transition defense, defensive awareness, communication and understanding coverages and discipline on closeout. Unfortunately, that was not to be seen in this game. Make no mistake, the defense was overwhelmingly better than in the loss to the Wizard. Still, it was not enough.

The Knicks just had no defense against the Hawks’ three-point shooting, including Vince Carter’s four three-pointers in the second quarter, then sealing the deal with a fifth in the fourth quarter. Again, where is the Knicks’ perimeter defense? Every time the Knicks would go on a run, the defense lapsed and the Hawks would get a three-pointer.

Fizdale changed his lineup, starting Bobby Portis at center and Dennis Smith, Jr. at point guard. Smith’s rust was apparent as he got two fouls in the first 2:12 of the game. There was wasted no time putting in Frank Ntlikina.

The Knicks may have lost, but there were some bright spots, with one being RJ Barrett. It seemed that the Duke product played at point guard more than the actual point guards, and did a great job doing it.

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Barrett was the team’s shining star, although he was not the high scorer. From the first to the fourth quarter, it became clear who the coaching staff relied on. The rookie guard played the most minutes, had 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block. He has no problem getting in the paint and it was there he did the most damage. In the second quarter, the Hawks had to double team him to prevent him from scoring.

On the defensive end, it was Ntlikina. He scored only two points, but in the fourth quarter, it seemed his plus seven-foot wingspan was all over the Hawks and finally shut Trae Young down. Had the Knicks won this game, it would have been due to the Frenchman’s fourth quarter defense.

The stars of the game did not include enough Knicks. Trae Young led his team with 23 points and the 43-year-old Vince Carter led both teams with five three-pointers.

• Julius Randle who led the Knicks in scoring with 20 points, was showing his leadership abilities throughout the game.
• Kevin Knox came off the bench contributing 11 points, showed his newfound strength as he charged the basket without hesitation.
• Marcus Morris had 14 points and eight rebounds and Bobby Portis contributed 16 points seven rebounds.
• Mitchell Robinson came off the bench, scoring four points with five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks.
• Elfrid Payton did not play tonight. Coach in his post game interview said he spoke to him before the game explaining he wanted to see Dennis and Frank and would be giving them the minutes.

The Knicks play Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, October 18, 2019. It will be the last preseason game for both teams. The Knicks start their regular season on October 23 against the San Antonio Spurs.