Mitch Rob and Brunson Lead NY to Win in Preseason Finale
Only six players in the league posted an individual plus-minus north of +60 during the preseason. Four of those six players are Knicks: Barrett, Randle, Robinson and Brunson.
We haven't talked much about Mitchell Robinson in this space this month, as he sorta flew under the radar over the Knicks' first three preseason contests. However, Mitch Rob was flat-out dominant in New York's victory over Washington Friday night at MSG. The Knicks pounded the Wiz 105-89, and Rob's bully tactics in the paint were a big reason why.
Robinson tallied 20 points (and was efficient as usual, shooting 9-for-12 from the floor) to go with 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 29 minutes. When the Knicks inked him to a four-year, $60 million deal this past offseason, this was the type of effort and production they envisioned. Mitch Rob patrolled the paint on both ends of the floor and was particularly disruptive on the offensive glass, finishing with nine (!!) offensive rebounds, which was three more than the entire Wizards squad combined.
Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Robinson after the win. "He's put a lot of work in; he's gotten better. The rebounding, the shot blocking, you get more comfortable with the ball, the finishing, the pressure on the rim," Thibs said.
As a team, New York outrebounded Washington 66-40, with 19 of those caroms coming on the offensive end. So, even though NY shot below 43% from the floor collectively, their board work allowed them to put up plenty of points.
Jalen Brunson was the team's leading scorer, pouring 27 points (on 10-for-16 shooting) to go along with four rebounds, five assists, one steal and three made treys in 31 minutes. Brunson has been as good as advertised during his first month in a Knicks uniform.
The Knicks starters were insanely effective and efficient during the exhibition season, with Brunson serving as the offense's engine. When asked about Brunson's impact after Friday's win, Robinson had rave reviews. "He came in and already is getting everybody familiar with everybody and being vocal, he doesn't want us to be distant, he really wants us to be all together, not every day, but as much as possible," Robinson said. "He's always giving me pointers. He's a true point guard and he can play, he can flat out play. He' s a great player maker and wants everyone involved, he's not selfish at all."
Thibs was also complimentary of his new point guard. "I think you see the impact that Jalen has had on our team, particularly the starters. Those guys are playing really well together, very unselfishly. Julius [Randle] is getting the ball up the floor fast, making plays, moving without the ball, creating movement, getting downhill. RJ doing a lot, whether it's attacking downhill, getting the ball down the floor fast. The way they're playing together is really good."
The Knicks starting five (Brunson, Evan Fournier, RJ Barrett, Randle and Robinson) logged a total of 95 minutes on the court together in the preseason. Over those 95 minutes, they outscored their opponents 266-200. Yes, they were a cumulative +66, which is the highest plus/minus among all starting units in the NBA.
NY's starters averaged a league-leading 105.3 points per 100 possessions while allowing only 79.6 points per 100 possessions. Their Net Rating of 25.7 was, by far, the best in the NBA (no other team posted a Net Rating above 14).
Only six players in the league posted an individual plus-minus north of +60 during the preseason. Four of those six players are Knicks: Barrett, Randle, Robinson and Brunson.
Still, Brunson went out of his way to remind his team Friday night that exhibition results are relatively meaningless. "We have to continue to work on it, we can't be satisfied with being 3-1 in the preseason," Brunson stated. "It's great, but it starts for real, and we have made progress, but we have a lot more to improve on. We have proved a lot to each other as what we can do as a team, but it's preseason, and while we have made strides, while we have gotten better it really starts on Wednesday. We have to continue to just have that mindset and continue to get better and we will be ok, but this is just a start for us, we can't be satisfied with 3-1 in the preseason."
The Knicks head to Memphis for their regular-season opener next Wednesday.
Fast Break Points:
🏀 Quentin Grimes missed NY's first three preseason contests due to a sore left foot but returned to action Friday night for the finale. He was rusty, going scoreless in 15 minutes, but getting back on the court was an important first step. "I'm good. I've been practicing," Grimes said before the game. "I think it's more like a precautionary thing. But I can finally go out there and make my season debut. I've been waiting since summer league, so this will be real fun to get out there."
🏀 RJ Barrett ripped down 12 rebounds and scored 19 points Friday night, including four more three-pointers. He wrapped up the preseason shooting 50% from behind the arc (12-for-24). RJ tweaked his shooting stroke this summer, and the early returns have been very encouraging.
🏀 Cam Reddish struggled again on Friday, converting just one of his five FG attempts. Reddish shot a putrid 21.4% from the field during the preseason (6-of-28) and was 2-of-12 (16.7%) from downtown. His defense left a lot to be desired as well. Assuming Thibs plays nine guys Wednesday night vs. the Grizz, Cam will likely be outside the rotation.
🏀 Obi Toppin exited Friday's game in the fourth quarter after suffering a left foot injury. It appeared he twisted his ankle when he tripped over a fan's foot. Obi stretched his leg on the sideline before heading back into the locker room. We'll await an update on his status this weekend.
🏀 Friday's game was a special one in the Beer household, as it was my daughter Emmie's first trip to MSG. She loved riding on the train and enjoyed the overpriced pizza and ice cream far more than the on-court action, but taking her to her first Knicks game was a princess experience. Make time for the people and things you love!!
