Wizards 118, Knicks 117: Soft defense and sorry shooting sink New York in the final scrimmage

Brunson, Anunoby, and the rooks played well, but terrible shooting continued to plague Knicks in loss.

The final preseason game for the New York Knicks.

This summer, the Knicks acquired two players known for their long-range shooting. This preseason, Karl-Anthony Towns shot 4-of-23 from downtown, and Mikal Bridges hit 2-of-19. Nothing to worry about, I’m sure. Let’s see how they’re shooting one month hence.

Mikal’s shooting form is concerning, however. . . .

Tonight in Washington, D.C., the New York Knicks (4-1) played their final preseason game. The Washington Wizards (2-4) were predicted to be pushovers, but New York lost the first quarter 35-29, and the half 63-61, due largely to soft defense and more atrocious long-range shooting. After halftime, the awful shooting continued, but the defense tightened up enough to take a 90-85 lead into the final frame. Washington regained the lead, and despite two marvelous buckets by Tyler Kolek as the clock ran down, their Johnny Davis banked a bucket to secure the win, 118-117.

On a night when the starters shot 4-of-24 from deep, veteran Cameron Payne and rookies Kolek and Pacome Dadiet were a relief in relief, combining for 35 off the bench.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting, and Towns collected another double-double of 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. OG Anunoby sparkled, with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Bridges finished with eight points, and Josh Hart shot twice, scoring once. On the Wizards’ side, Jordan Poole topped the scoresheet with 16 points.

First Half

Communication issues and poor long-range shooting hurt the Knicks early in the first quarter. Despite the struggles, New York dominated the paint, where they outscored the Wizards 20-8.

A bench contingent of Tyler Kolek, Cameron Payne, Precious Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims played with Mikal Bridges during the latter end of the quarter. Achiuwa was a beast again, and if he keeps this up, perhaps New York will have more than one candidate for the Sixth-Man-of-the-Year award. Miles “Deuce” McBride, the other, enjoyed a rest day.

Both teams converted 13 field goals in Q1, but Washington finished the frame ahead 35-29 due to New York shooting a woeful 0-8 from Threeville.

Around the 9:30 mark of the second quarter, Knicks’ coach Tom Thibodeau tried a lineup of Kolek, Payne, Bridges, Achiuwa, and KAT. New York missed nine straight field goals, however, while the home team went on a 7-0 run. Thibs mixed it up after that, going with Brunson, Payne, OG Anunoby, KAT, and the rookie Pacome Dadiet. As he did in the previous game, the rook looked good!

A 26-18 run narrowed the deficit, but loose play and mostly soft defense prevented the Knicks from overtaking the Wiz. They trailed 63-61 at intermission. Surrendering 12 points off of turnovers did New York no favors, nor did shooting 3-of-17 from deep.

For the Zards, Jordan Poole collected 16 first-half points. Brunson topped the Knicks with 18 first-half points, making 7-of-11 from the field. Their defense wasn’t good, but it wasn’t all bad: Anunoby’s prowess was on display, with two steals and a block before halftime.

Second Half

The Knicks’ starters came back to start the second half; for Washington, Kuzma, Poole, and Jonas Valanciunas did not, making an early exit. New York’s defense had more crispness after the break, and it allowed them to finally claim the lead around the 10:30 mark. There were flashes of cohesion, but much work remains before opening night on Tuesday.

Thanks to nine more points from Brunson, New York entered the fourth quarter ahead, 90-85. Taking the floor this time were Payne, Dadiet, Achiuwa, Sims, and Kolek. The latter needs to develop more confidence in his shooting, but once he does . . . steal of the draft! (Although I hear Ryan Dunn is on fire in Phoenix.)

Midway through the quarter, Achiuwa drove to the rim and grabbed his hamstring, which sent him to the locker room. Prayers that it’s nothing more than a cramp. He might be on a cheap contract, but methinks he’ll be important to New York’s success this season (see the hyperbole above). Dadiet continued to shoot well, hitting 4-of-7 from the field and 2-of-3 from deep in his 17 minutes tonight. His timely triple regained the lead after Washington had stolen it back.

The Frenchman is green and shortly after his big shot, his matador defense let Justin Champagnie score an easy layup. Chalk it up to growing pains. There’s a good player there.

The reserves lost their advantage, but Kolek worked his magic, scoring four straight points in two thrilling sequences. Here’s one:

Washington’s Johnny Davis targeted Tyler with less than 20 seconds left, however, and banked in the winning bucket. Final score 118-117.

Up Next

The Knicks’ season starts next Tuesday in Boston against the Celtics. The defense had better be a whole lot better. The shooting, too. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score