New York Knicks: Grades and takeaways from comeback loss to Nets
The New York Knicks fulfilled a 19-point comeback against the Brooklyn Nets, but still lost due to late-game heroics. What were the takeaways?
On Friday night, the New York Knicks went down quickly to the Brooklyn Nets, facing a 19-point deficit midway through the game. It made for a deterring three quarters, and the crosstown rivals were set for a blowout. However, the fourth quarter was a change.
Overcoming this deficit, the Knicks took the lead down the stretch. Behind three-point shots from players like Kevin Knox and Wayne Ellington, it seemed that New York’s first win of 2019-20 was ahead.
Unfortunately for them, late baskets from Kyrie Irving closed the game, sending the Nets home with a 113-109.
Along the way, who stepped up for the Knicks? How did their players grade out for the night? Let’s take a look:
A-. . SG. New York Knicks. ALLONZO TRIER
Head coach David Fizdale’s lineups continued to sway. As Allonzo Trier received six minutes Wednesday, he took 23 against the Nets and had 22 points. It was night and day for the second-year guard, who played his way into consistent minutes with this effort and ahead of Damyean Dotson, Wayne Ellington and Frank Ntilikina.
. SF. New York Knicks. KEVIN KNOX. B+
The spotlight moved away from Kevin Knox. Quietly, he has been one of New York’s top shooters, making four three-pointers and hitting double-digit points for the second consecutive game with 16 on Friday night. His playing time is not disappearing anytime soon, and Marcus Morris‘ presence has not impacted the sophomore’s role.
New York Knicks. RJ BARRETT. B-. . SG
Not a highlight-reel game for the rookie, but RJ Barrett still had 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and six steals in 35 minutes, as Fizdale continues to play the No. 3 overall pick heavy on-court time. Not every game will be sensational, but the upside is high for this Rookie of the Year favorite.
JULIUS RANDLE. C+. . PF. New York Knicks
Julius Randle had some moments, but he struggled down the stretch, including a turnover in the game’s final minutes that created a positive Nets possession. He also shot just 5-for-15 from the field and had six turnovers, adding 11 rebounds and four assists.
SF. New York Knicks. MARCUS MORRIS. C.
Marcus Morris was nearly flawless through five appearances for the New York Knicks, but that ended Friday. He had just 11 points on 3-for-9 shooting, two rebounds and zero assists.