Despite holding a significant lead in the first half, the Knicks saw their advantage slip away as the Brooklyn Nets rallied back in the game. The third quarter marked the beginning of the comeback, with the Nets outscoring the Knicks 35 to 23 in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 92–85 defeat for the Knicks. This loss marks their second consecutive loss in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Mixed Performances Highlight Knicks’ Challenges
New York’s top scorer, Duane Washington Jr., managed to hit 7 of his 12 shots. However, his contribution was marred by five turnovers, including several at crucial moments of the game. Despite leading the team in scoring, Washington’s overall performance was less than stellar.
Rookie Watch: Tyler Kolek Struggles from the Perimeter
The Knicks’ second-round pick, Tyler Kolek from Marquette, scored just six points on 3-8 shooting and missed all five of his attempts from beyond the arc. Although Kolek delivered seven assists, demonstrating his elite vision, his defensive shortcomings, and inefficiency from three-point range, reflected in a -18 plus/minus rating, were notable detriments. The Knicks are expected to focus on developing his defensive game before the season begins.
Bench Contributions: A Ukrainian Center Shines
Off the bench, Ukrainian center Dmytro Skapintsev, who plays for the Westchester Knicks, made a significant impact. In just 17 minutes, Skapintsev scored 19 points on 6-7 shooting, alongside nine rebounds and three steals. Standing at 7’1″, his efficient shooting and presence on the court make him a player to watch this season.
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Looking Ahead: Knicks Aim for Recovery
As a team, the Knicks shot 50% from the field and 32.1% from the three-point line. However, their struggle with turnovers was a major factor in the loss. The team will aim to improve ball control and overall play as they prepare to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.