The New York Knicks put on a show in their dominant preseason win against the Washington Wizards, showcasing their depth, potential, and chemistry heading into the new season. While it’s just preseason, fans have reasons to be optimistic about this team’s progress. Here, we dive into four standout performances and one player who fell a bit short of expectations.
1. RJ Barrett: A Steady Scorer
RJ Barrett was one of the brightest stars of the game, exhibiting a well-rounded offensive game that Knicks fans have been eager to see more consistently. Barrett finished with 19 points on efficient shooting, demonstrating a more fluid jump shot and aggressive drives to the basket. His decision-making appeared improved, as he found the balance between attacking the rim and taking open shots from beyond the arc. If Barrett can carry this level of confidence and efficiency into the regular season, it will be a game-changer for the Knicks’ offense.
2. Julius Randle: Dominant Presence
Julius Randle also had a standout performance, reminding fans why he was an All-NBA player just a couple of seasons ago. Randle controlled the paint and showed his versatility, adding 15 points, 7 rebounds, and a few assists to the stat sheet. His physicality was too much for the Wizards to handle, and his passing ability helped the offense flow smoothly. Randle’s willingness to share the ball and make plays for others was particularly encouraging, as the Knicks look to maintain a balanced offense this season.
3. Jalen Brunson: A True Floor General
Jalen Brunson picked up right where he left off last season, orchestrating the Knicks’ offense with poise and precision. The point guard contributed 12 points and 5 assists in limited minutes, but his impact went beyond the box score. Brunson’s ability to control the tempo and get his teammates involved was evident throughout the game. His leadership on the court has quickly made him a cornerstone of the Knicks’ identity. His performance against the Wizards underscored just how valuable he is to the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season.
4. Immanuel Quickley: The Spark Off the Bench
Immanuel Quickley provided an electric spark off the bench, reminding everyone why he’s a key piece of the Knicks’ second unit. Quickley scored 17 points, showcasing his quick first step and shooting ability. He also made an impact defensively, playing aggressive on-ball defense and forcing a few turnovers. His high energy and scoring punch are crucial for the Knicks when their starters are off the floor. Quickley’s performance in the preseason is a promising sign that he’s ready to take another step forward in his development this year.
Semi-Dud: Quentin Grimes
While most of the team shined, Quentin Grimes had a quieter night than expected. Grimes managed just 4 points on 2-for-8 shooting from the field. Despite his struggles offensively, Grimes made contributions on the defensive end, sticking to his assignments and making it difficult for Wizards’ guards to get into a rhythm. His shooting woes, however, were a concern, as the Knicks rely on him to space the floor and provide perimeter scoring. Grimes is still a young player with a lot of promise, and it’s likely just a matter of time before he finds his groove again. For now, though, his performance lagged behind the rest of the team’s standout efforts.
Conclusion
The Knicks’ win over the Wizards offered plenty of positives, including strong performances from key players like RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Immanuel Quickley. While Quentin Grimes didn’t have his best outing, the overall performance of the team suggests that the Knicks are heading into the regular season with momentum. Preseason games may not always be the best indicator of future success, but the team’s chemistry and depth are promising signs as the Knicks look to build on last season’s playoff appearance and make a deeper run this year.