Mike Brown stated his Knicks have been forward of schedule on either side of the ball. And perhaps they have been — in follow.
However underneath the lights at Etihad Area in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, New York’s first reside motion of the preseason confirmed how far this crew nonetheless has to go to succeed in its championship ceiling.
The Knicks shook off a sluggish begin to defeat the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers, 99-84, of their preseason opener. The win got here with out OG Anunoby (sprained hand) and towards a Sixers squad lacking each Joel Embiid and Paul George, however it was hardly a clear displaying. Offensive miscues, defensive lapses and early turnovers made it clear: progress is a course of.
FAST START, SLOPPY FINISH TO FIRST QUARTER
With Anunoby sidelined, Brown rolled out second-year ahead Pacome Dadiet alongside the starters. That group struggled out of the gate, each producing offense and defending in transition. Philadelphia’s strain protection instantly disrupted Brown’s up-tempo system, forcing turnovers and stalling New York’s half-court rhythm.
And when the offense broke down? The Knicks fell again on the outdated trustworthy: Jalen Brunson.
The All-Star level guard settled issues within the first half, tallying six factors and 4 assists in 17 minutes. His regular hand helped hold the ball transferring and stabilized Brown’s new offensive ideas when the tempo acquired away from them.
INJURY WATCH: HART JOINS ANUNOBY ON SHELF
Josh Hart’s preseason debut ended simply minutes after it started.
The do-it-all ahead checked in halfway via the primary quarter as a part of an improved bench unit that includes Miles McBride and newcomer Jordan Clarkson. However after grabbing a rebound, Hart collapsed to the ground with an obvious again harm. He was then ejected for throwing the ball in direction of the baseline as he writhed in ache and earlier than limping off the court docket.
It’s a brutal flip of occasions for Hart, who was already dedicated to enjoying via the season with a finger harm. Now, he turns into the Knicks’ second key rotation piece to go down this week after Anunoby’s hand subject in follow.
With Mitchell Robinson’s lengthy harm historical past and a cautious plan for back-to-backs, Brown and VP of sports activities drugs Casey Smith — whose arrival final season coincided with New York being the NBA’s healthiest crew — now face early challenges in managing workloads.
DADIET’S TRIAL BY FIRE
With Anunoby out, Brown gave Dadiet the nod in a beginning function, providing the 6-7 French ahead worthwhile reps with the primary unit.
He appeared the half within the circulation of the offense early, however the shot didn’t fall. Dadiet missed all 5 of his three-point makes an attempt and completed with simply 4 factors and three turnovers in 17 minutes. It was a reminder that whereas alternative is there, execution will decide his spot within the rotation. And with accidents to each Hart and Anunoby early, the wing has develop into an early level of weak point — particularly if Dadiet, the twenty fifth total choose within the 2024 NBA Draft, can’t join from downtown.
DEUCE TURNS HEADS
Miles McBride might have taken a again seat on paper with Jordan Clarkson now on the town, however the fourth-year guard wasted no time making his case.
“Deuce” led all Knicks with 12 factors, flashing an improved deal with and scoring in any respect three ranges — a notable evolution from his earlier function as a spot-up risk. His defensive depth stays elite. If his offensive development holds, he’ll be exhausting to maintain off the ground.
BROGDON MAKES HIS CASE
Malcolm Brogdon isn’t assured a roster spot. However he performed like a assured contributor.
The veteran guard took over as ground normal within the third quarter after Brown pulled the primary rotation. He completed with simply three factors and two assists, however his poise and decision-making stabilized the offense throughout a 26-point swing that blew the sport open.
In opposition to defenses like Philadelphia’s that strain the purpose of assault, Brogdon’s regular presence can be essential — a marked improve from final season’s McBride-Cam Payne-led second unit that completed final in bench factors per sport.
BENCH MOB REBORN
New York’s bench scored 61 of the crew’s 99 factors — a product of each restricted starter minutes and a deeper, extra versatile rotation.
Brown’s pace-and-space ideas have been on full show within the second half because the reserves discovered a rhythm. Final season, the Knicks’ depth was a legal responsibility. This season, it’s shaping as much as be one in all their best strengths.
BIG MITCH CLEANS THE GLASS
Mitchell Robinson’s stat line was a sight to behold.
Beginning alongside Karl-Anthony Cities, the large man dominated the boards — 16 rebounds in simply 17 minutes — whereas chipping in seven factors and displaying flashes of playmaking from the highest of the important thing. He recorded one help however had a number of high quality reads within the excessive submit.
Cities added 11 factors and 5 rebounds, whereas Mikal Bridges scored 10 factors on 2-of-5 capturing from deep and tallied two steals on the level of assault.
HOLDING DOWN THE FORT
Even with out Embiid, the Knicks’ protection held Tyrese Maxey to only 14 factors in 23 minutes. No. 3 total choose V.J. Edgecombe shot 4-of-13 for 14 factors in his Sixers debut, displaying flashes however struggling towards New York’s strain.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Knicks face the Sixers once more Saturday within the second and closing Abu Dhabi matchup earlier than returning stateside. They’ll host the Timberwolves (Oct. 9), Wizards (Oct. 13) and Hornets (Oct. 17) at Madison Sq. Backyard.
Opening Evening is Oct. 22 towards the Cavaliers — and Brown’s group has work to do between from time to time.
