New York Knicks: Point guard remains muddy after third preseason game

After two missed games due to a back injury, Dennis Smith Jr. had an opportunity to shine on Wednesday night. No one else stepped up to claim point guard, so Fizdale gave the No. 9 overall pick in 2017 the start against Atlanta.

In 20 minutes, Smith shot 1-for-5 for four points, two rebounds, three assists, three turnovers and four fouls. Ntilikina, as noted, closed the game at point guard.

As SNY’s Ian Begley said, there was rust from not playing since April. Perhaps that was the root of the struggles, and Smith even said he tried to be unselfish for his teammates, rather than finding his own shot.

It was a disappointing night on the box score, but one preseason game remains, and Smith should receive one more start.

If the decision was always down to Payton and Smith, giving the latter man a second chance to shine could be imminent. There was one game to shake off not playing for the previous six months, but that will only last for so long when an answer is necessary for opening night when the Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs.

Smith was the starter down the stretch of 2018-19, so, perhaps, that plays into his favor. He has the most offensive upside of the three competing players and if that, ball handling and defense come through, it should make him the leader to take this role.