The ball didn’t quite hop like this before.
If there’s any takeaway from the Knicks’ preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday—the first of five exhibition games before the Oct. 22 regular-season opener against the Boston Celtics—it’s the free-flowing offense on display from the new-look team.
This was the debut of the retooled Knicks roster after blockbuster trades netted Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. With Towns at center, Jalen Brunson at point, and versatile wings like Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart rounding out the lineup, the team showcased a fluid, pace-and-space approach that could help power a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference.
The emphasis on ball movement, spacing, and playing at a faster pace was evident during their 111-109 victory at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center on Sunday. Even with the starters playing an average of only 15 minutes, it was clear the Knicks have potential as a formidable five-out offense, boosted by their revamped lineup.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau unveiled his projected starting five of Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns. Brunson led the way with 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including two of four from deep. Towns chipped in 10 points, mostly from the free-throw line, but flashed his range with a trailing three-pointer from nearly 30 feet out, hinting at the offensive ceiling this group could reach once chemistry kicks in.
Towns shot 1-of-5 from beyond the arc, but as a career 40 percent shooter, expect him to regain his rhythm as the preseason unfolds.
LANDRY SHAMET MAKES A CASE
Despite being on a non-guaranteed training camp deal, Landry Shamet is pushing for a roster spot, and his performance on Sunday solidified his case.
The career 38 percent three-point shooter contributed 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, with four three-pointers, including a transition three that had Brunson hopping off the bench for a high-five. With the Knicks needing more off-guard options following Donte DiVincenzo’s departure, Shamet’s shooting and two-way play could carve out significant minutes for him in Thibodeau’s rotation.
MILES MCBRIDE CONTINUES TO IMPRESS
Deuce McBride followed up his breakout last season with a strong preseason debut, scoring a game-high 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting, including four three-pointers.
The fourth-year guard displayed his usual tenacity on defense while also showing improved shot creation, getting to the rim off the dribble. His ability to stretch the floor and defend will likely secure him a key role in the rotation, especially with Thibodeau’s emphasis on defense and shooting.
FRONTCOURT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ACHIUWA AND SIMS
Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa were key to the Knicks’ interior presence, combining for solid production off the bench.
Sims, who has visibly bulked up, grabbed 10 rebounds and made a Mitchell Robinson-like impact with his offensive board work, including a put-back dunk.
Achiuwa was all over the stat sheet with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in a game-high 33 minutes. The Knicks had a +9.9 net rating with the Achiuwa-Sims pairing last season, and they picked up where they left off in Sunday’s game.
ROOKIE TYLER KOLEK SHINES
Marquette rookie Tyler Kolek made a strong impression in his Knicks debut. In the second half, Kolek scored 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, including a highlight play where he blocked a shot at the rim and then knocked down a transition three. His composure and ability to knock down shots could make him an intriguing piece as the Knicks look to develop their young talent.
Quite the find at pick No. 34.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Knicks return to New York for two days of rest before hosting the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Thibodeau is expected to gradually increase the starters’ minutes leading up to the regular-season opener in Boston on Oct. 22.