After a challenging start to the season, the New York Knicks claimed their first win of the Summer League on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings 106-105. Coming off a disappointing loss, where they blew a double-digit lead against the Brooklyn Nets, the team displayed significant offensive firepower in their latest outing.
Knicks’ Rookie Rebound: Tyler Kolek’s Impressive Performance
Second-round rookie Tyler Kolek, who struggled in Tuesday’s game, made a notable comeback with 21 points, four rebounds, and an impressive eight assists. Despite recording four turnovers, Kolek showcased his vision, hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc — a significant improvement after missing all five three-point attempts in the previous game. He also succeeded at the free-throw line, making 6-of-7 shots. Kolek came in clutch with seconds left on the board, giving the Knicks a one-point lead after a beautiful left-handed layup that had a little spin.
Rokas Jokubaitis Shines as Game Star
Lithuanian sharpshooter Rokas Jokubaitis was also excellent, going perfect from the field at 7-for-7, including both his attempts from three-point range, finishing the game with 16 points, five assists, and two steals. His defensive play in the final minutes was crucial, recording a block that helped the Knicks retain possession and retain their lead.
Supporting Cast and Defensive Highlights
Devin Cannady contributed significantly with a team-high +19 plus/minus, adding six points and two assists. Ukrainian center Dmytro Skapintsev also had a noteworthy performance, scoring 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting and grabbing five rebounds, ending with a +8 plus/minus. The team overall shot an impressive 54.8% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range.
Areas for Improvement and Upcoming Challenges
Despite the offensive success, the Knicks exhibited some defensive weaknesses that need addressing. The performance of veteran point guard Duane Washington was mixed; he scored 12 points and provided four assists but struggled with his shooting, going 6-of-18 from the field and missing all seven three-point attempts.
Looking Forward
As the Knicks prepare for their next game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday at 7 PM, they will aim to build on this win. The Pistons have had a strong start, winning two of their first three Summer League games, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.