Coming off a thrilling victory on Friday night, the New York Knicks’ loss in Indiana was anything but thrilling. What was a pretty close game for the most part, both teams seemed pretty flat. Enes Kanter led the way with 20 and 15 but also turned the ball over 5 times. Rookie Kevin Knox had another progressive outing scoring 15 points while knocking down 3 triples.
Trey Burke made his return from a sprained right knee as jumped right back into form shooting 1-7 in 13 minutes. Hardaway Jr. and Mudiay scored 19 and 18 points respectively.
The minute distribution seemed very lopsided. The started all played at least 30 minutes and the bench were all kept under 20. Friday night star, Luke Kornet, was only rewarded 9 minutes after his stellar performance in his previous game. Mario Hezonja, who lost his job to the neophyte, is best suited for a small bench role if any role at all.
Whatever fire Coach Fiz seemed to light under the French Prince last week has apparently extinguished. While Frank has been more aggressive, his scoring hasn’t been there the past 2 games. His minutes have gone down for some reason. Mudiay has been playing well but Dotson has been hurt so it shouldn’t have taken a dip but we need to trust that David Fizdale knows what he is doing.
Mudiay has been great! But are we happy about it?
For all the fans who are embracing the tank like never before, the rise of Kevin Knox has to have you excited. But when Emmanuel Mudiay is winning you games, the question resurfaces. Let us get this clear once and for all:
- Emmanuel Mudiay is not going to be on the roster next year unless he renounces everything and takes no money at all
- Emmanuel Mudiay will be be on the Knicks next year at the expense of any big name free agents (Kevin Durant anyone)
It’s nice to know tat Fiz can take a player who has donned the bust label and turn him into at least a solid role player, however, will that attract any big name free agents?
The youth movement seemed to have hit the brakes a bit with the Trier and Dot injuries. Other than Knox playing 30 minutes a night, the rest of the youngsters haven’t really had a chance to get out of their own way and that is why they don’t get more minutes.
Is Coach Fizdale doing the right thing?
It’s pretty hard not to see what Fizdale has with this team. They are motivated, excited and seemingly play hard which is always a good sign but long term, are they deemed for success?
The team does not play pass first basketball. They play like a lot of guys who are playing for a contract. Will that attract a big name free agent? Will that teach players to play team ball? Only time will tell.
The Knicks play the lowly Phoenix Suns tonight which will be a huge game in Tank Season. The loser may come out on top.