As the NBA’s offseason continues to accelerate at a mind-boggling pace, NY Knicks basketball has finally returned in the form of Summer League.
The NBA Summer League is also making a return, since there were no such games taking place last summer due to the pandemic. This, along with the immense amount of young talent at the Knicks’ disposal in 2021, makes for an incredibly exciting comeback of the Las Vegas tournament.
NY Knicks: 1st Summer League game vs. the Raptors
In their first game, the Knicks fell to the Toronto Raptors 89-79. New York kept it close during the first half, trailing by just two points at halftime, 39-37. However, Toronto took advantage in the second half by continuing to hit shots while the Knicks struggled to get their own looks on offense to go. The Raptors couldn’t miss for most of the game and particularly on the deep ball, finishing 14-33 (42.4%) from 3-point land. They were led by point guard Malachi Flynn (23 points, 4-5 from three) and 4th overall pick Scottie Barnes (18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists).
The Knicks really struggled getting after defensive rebounds, giving up plenty of second-chance opportunities to Toronto. It wasn’t all bad though. It was still a very fun first summer league game to watch. Draft picks Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride shot poorly overall in their debuts, but each finished with 9 points and still had their moments. Grimes got the team’s first basket, a 3-pointer via an off-ball screen. Grimes finished 3-8 from deep.
Let it fly, @qdotgrimes! pic.twitter.com/RE917J6WX0
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) August 8, 2021
“Deuce” showed off his defensive tenacity all game long and also scored on this tough and-1 finish. He went on to make the free throw.
Deuce on the loose. pic.twitter.com/9DZfncLcbK
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) August 8, 2021
Aside from those guys, the three biggest stories of this game were the performances of Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, and Jericho Sims. It is that trio that will be handed out this games three “superlatives.” Based on what I saw from the Knicks 2021 Summer League kickoff, these three players will be given greater individual attention in this article. Here are the titles they’ve won, starting with IQ.