The New York Knicks concluded their preseason tour on Friday, suffering their only defeat of the exhibition series with a close 118-117 loss to the Wizards while visiting D.C.
Several Knickerbockers, including Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa, raised injury concerns, but it appears that both players have avoided serious damage. The Knicks will take Saturday off before returning to practice on Sunday and Monday as they prepare for their season opener against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
Here’s a look at what Coach Thibs and some players shared before and after Friday’s game.
Tom Thibodeau
On the team’s daily commitment to improvement:
“There’s no real secret to this. It requires a commitment every single day.
“You need discipline daily and the ability to persevere when things aren’t going well.
“There will be moments when things don’t go your way, but it’s important to maintain the same approach and find a way to win.”
On establishing team habits and preparing for games following preseason performances:
“It’s important to take it one step at a time. For the next game, we must focus on improving, cultivating the correct habits, and striving to perform for the full 48 minutes. Don’t get ahead of yourselves—focus on the present.
“Everything concerns me, so each day it’s crucial to prioritize specific areas—working on all aspects daily isn’t feasible. We focus on certain elements to progress, solidify our weaknesses, and continue to build. Our goal is to develop the right habits, so we practice with intention and focus.
“We need to understand our goals for each game, be aware of our opponents, recognize personnel, grasp our system, and know our roles. All these factors contribute to our success.
“Winning must be our priority.”
On Landry Shamet’s condition and his performance during the preseason:
“He’s still in the process of gathering information about the next steps.
“I’m unsure of all the details yet. Based on what I currently know, it’s a dislocated shoulder, and he’s still in the information-gathering phase. We’ll proceed from there.
“He’s actively engaging in his rehab, which I appreciate. He also needs to gather more information. It’s about taking it step by step—looking for daily improvements, and for the next man up, stepping in to get the job done.”
“We have strong confidence in him and his contributions, so regardless of the situation, if faced with an injury, focus on the rehab and prepare yourself to return.”
On the Knicks’ shooting struggles and defensive performance during the loss to the Wizards:
“The game will indicate the necessary actions. If you’re open, you need to take the shot.
“Even with less-than-ideal shooting, our offense is still productive.”
…
“The defense needs significant improvement.”
On the Knicks’ shooting volumes being below expectations:
“On [Friday] night, we attempted 36 three-pointers. I would prefer to see that number increase slightly. However, we did get to the line frequently (38 free-throw attempts), and once again, the significance of shot selection is crucial—layups should always be prioritized. We aim to secure as many easy baskets as possible.”
“When it comes to open three-pointers, everyone recognizes their value. The statistics of the game serve as a guide. If the opposing team makes 20 shots while we only make 10, winning the game becomes quite challenging. Ideally, we want both high volume and at least an average shooting percentage league-wide.”
On the overall preseason results:
“There are both positives and negatives.”
“Clearly, there is much work ahead of us, and we need to get started.”
“The offense, even with our shooting not being exceptional (43.2% FG / 30.2% from three, ranking 25th in the NBA), is still putting up considerable points (114.2, 7th in the NBA). Yet, our defense must see significant improvement.”
On Mikal Bridges’ shooting difficulties:
“At times you’ll make shots, and at other times you won’t; you just need to ensure you take the right ones.”
Josh Hart
On his role after starting four preseason games and how he fits into the starting lineup:
“I’m confused. I really don’t know.”
“There are a few days left before the Boston game. Whether I find a groove with the starting unit or if they choose to try someone else and I transition to coming off the bench, I’m in the dark about it for now.”
“I’m just trying to understand the situation, but currently, I’m at a loss. We’ll see how it plays out in Boston.”
On the Knicks’ 4-1 preseason record and a possible bench role:
“(Brunson) and (Towns) power our team. I believe we performed fairly well throughout the preseason, so I’m comfortable with that.”
“I think we need to identify a way to optimize our play, regardless of the roles or minutes assigned.”
On the new roster and expectations for the season:
“This is an entirely new team. Our focus is on improving. We can’t simply expect to continue from being one game shy of the Eastern Conference finals. We must display resilience, discipline, a willingness to execute, and a readiness to sacrifice.”
“Demonstrating these qualities will take time, but we must ensure that we approach each day with that mindset.”
On the altercation between the Wolves and Knicks during the preseason:
“When you’re traded—as someone experienced in such matters—you learn not to take it personally because it is a business decision. However, there is still a human element involved.”
“Whenever you get traded, there’s this feeling of being unwanted, which adds a personal dimension to the situation. So, when you face that team—whether in preseason or otherwise—it’s always personal for you.”
“During my trades, I’d find myself thinking, ‘I hope everything goes up in flames.’ I’d watch and wish for their losses. That’s just the human aspect of this business.”
“However, at the end of the day, there’s always love because you’ve built relationships and faced challenges alongside those individuals.”
Jalen Brunson
On being a “Thibs guy”:
“To me, if you play with intensity, you’re a Thibs guy. That’s all he asks for—effort and communication. If you’re out there giving it your all, he respects that, and that qualifies you as a Thibs guy.”
“I think when newcomers arrive and we kick off practice or training camp, it’s all about focusing on details and the rigorous approach we take in both practice and games.”
“Once training camp begins and everyone starts playing, everything starts falling into place. It’s really about creating that environment where everyone aligns with the same mindset.”
On the altercation between DiVo and Rick Brunson:
“It’s essential to talk about it; after all, families argue. Words are exchanged. Sure, things could have been handled better by both sides, but it seems like everyone thinks everything is falling apart.”
“Keep in mind, the trade happened just a week and a half ago, and now we’re suddenly up against them. That’s not typical.”
Karl-Anthony Towns
On his trade to the Knicks:
“I didn’t receive a call; Tim [Connelly] informed me face-to-face about the trade. It was pretty intense, not gonna lie.”
On the time he had to react before posting the “…” message on X and the Shams report:
“I had four minutes. By the time the shock wore off, Shams had already sent out his tweet.”
On his career expectations before and after the trade:
“I had envisioned retiring in Minnesota; I thought it would be my forever home in the league and beyond.”
“However, my previous employer didn’t share that vision. It is what it is.”
“Now, I’m here with my buddies (Brunson and Hart), and I’m excited about the possibility of achieving something special for the city.”
On his struggles with 3-point shooting during the preseason:
“The shots simply haven’t been falling, but that’s alright.
“I will continue to take them. I’ll persist in doing what I do best to help my team secure victories.”
Mikal Bridges
On adjustments to his shooting form:
“After finishing college, I made some minor tweaks. In my second year in the league, I developed a hitch and aimed to rebuild from that.
“Ever since I entered the league, I’ve been working to return to my college form.
“So, it’s been seven years of relentless effort.”
On how preseason shooting struggles won’t impact his mindset heading into the season:
“Let’s get the misses out of the way now and prepare for the 82-game season.”
OG Anunoby
On adapting to the new system following offseason roster changes:
“We’re working on understanding each other both offensively and defensively.
“We’re adding more plays to the playbook, so the guys are getting more acquainted with the strategies.
“Defensively, we’re developing a stronger connection. We’re communicating about switches and understanding the coverages.
“It’s still early, and we will continue to improve consistently.”
Knicks Conclude Preseason with Narrow Loss to Wizards Amid Injury Scares, Focus Shift to Season Opener
Preseason Overview
The New York Knicks wrapped up their preseason with a close-fought game against the Washington Wizards, resulting in a disappointing loss. This final matchup served as a crucial test for the team as they prepare for the regular season, which is just around the corner. The game not only showcased the Knicks’ strengths and weaknesses but also raised concerns regarding the health of key players heading into the season opener.
Game Recap: Knicks vs. Wizards
In a thrilling contest, the Knicks battled against the Wizards, showcasing their competitive spirit. Despite a valiant effort, the Knicks fell short, concluding the preseason with a record that leaves fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming games.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Knicks | Wizards |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 102 | 106 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 48 |
| Assists | 22 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 12 |
The game was marked by tight defense and a few standout performances from both teams. However, the Knicks struggled to convert key turnovers into points, ultimately impacting the game’s outcome.
Injury Concerns: A Major Focus
As exciting as the preseason can be, it often comes with its drawbacks, particularly in the injury department. Throughout the game against the Wizards, the Knicks experienced several injury scares that could have significant implications for the team’s lineup heading into the regular season.
Notable Injuries
– **Julius Randle**: The star forward appeared to tweak his ankle in the third quarter but returned to finish the game. Nonetheless, the extent of the injury remains a concern as the team monitors his status closely.
- **RJ Barrett**: Barrett showed signs of discomfort after taking a hard fall during the second half. His performance in the preseason has been promising, and the team is hopeful he can bounce back quickly.
– **Immanuel Quickley**: Quickley had already been dealing with a minor hamstring issue, which flared up during the game, leading to an early exit. His ability to contribute off the bench is crucial for the Knicks’ depth.
Implications of Injuries
The injuries sustained during the preseason could have far-reaching effects on the Knicks’ performance in the upcoming regular season. Key players missing time can disrupt team chemistry and momentum, making it essential for the Knicks’ trainers and coaching staff to manage player health effectively.
Highlights of the Preseason
While the final game against the Wizards ended in a loss, several positive aspects emerged from the Knicks’ preseason. These highlights not only showcase individual talents but also reflect the team’s potential as they gear up for the regular season.
Standout Performances
– **Julius Randle**: Averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds per game, Randle demonstrated his all-around skills and became a focal point for the Knicks’ offense.
– **Jalen Brunson**: Brunson’s leadership on the court was evident, as he averaged 6 assists per game and provided critical playmaking, paving the way for his teammates.
– **Quentin Grimes**: Grimes showed remarkable improvement, particularly in his three-point shooting. His shooting percentage of 45% from beyond the arc during the preseason adds a vital dimension to the Knicks’ offense.
Benefits of a Strong Preseason
Participating in a competitive preseason can yield several benefits for NBA teams, including the Knicks. Here are some key advantages:
– **Team Chemistry**: Preseason games provide opportunities for players to build chemistry on and off the court, which is vital as they strive for a cohesive unit during the intense regular season.
– **Tactical Adaptations**: Coaches can experiment with different lineups and strategies, identifying what works best for the team. This flexibility can be beneficial in adapting to opponents throughout the season.
– **Evaluating Roster Depth**: Preseason allows teams to assess their depth. It gives coaching staff valuable insights into player performance and readiness, particularly for bench players who may need to step up in the regular season.
Practical Tips for Knicks Fans
As Knicks fans prepare for the regular season, here are some practical tips to enhance their game-day experience:
– **Stay Informed**: Keep up with the latest injury reports and player updates to understand the lineup better as the season progresses.
– **Engage with the Community**: Join Knicks fan forums or social media groups to share insights and connect with fellow fans discussing game strategies, player performances, and more.
- **Follow Coaches’ Press Conferences**: Coaches often provide valuable information that can give fans a deeper understanding of the team’s strategies and focus areas.
Looking Ahead: Season Opener
With the preseason behind them, all eyes now turn to the Knicks’ season opener. The anticipation is high, and fans are eager to see how the team will perform in a competitive regular-season environment.
Key Matchups to Watch
- **Internal Rivalries**: The Knicks will face off against division rivals, and these matchups will be crucial for playoff seeding as the season unfolds.
– **Star Power**: How will the Knicks’ key players, especially Randle and Brunson, adapt to the heightened stakes of regular season games? Their performances will set the tone for the team’s trajectory.
– **Defensive Identity**: Establishing a strong defensive presence will be essential for the Knicks. Keeping opponents under pressure could be the difference between a successful season and one full of challenges.
Conclusion
As the Knicks transition from preseason to regular-season play, the focus will undoubtedly be on maintaining player health, building team chemistry, and executing strategies that lead to success on the court. With the right mindset and determination, the Knicks can make significant strides this season.
With the excitement of the opening game approaching, fans can’t wait to see their team return to action, ready to embrace the challenges of the season ahead.
