In the end, Quentin Grimes’ sore left foot didn’t cost him the entire preseason.
The second-year guard returned to practice this week before playing in the Knicks’ 105-89 victory over the Wizards at the Garden on Friday night. There was some speculation that Grimes could turn veteran Evan Fournier into the team’s starting guard after an outstanding summer league, but his leg injury never gave him the chance to do so. rice field. Directed by Tom Thibodeau We called Fournier the frontrunner to start first in camp, and that never changed.
Grimes went scoreless in 16 minutes on Friday, missing two shots but had an assist and a rebound.
“Okay, he’s gotta get the timing right. There’s great energy flying all over the place,” said Thibodeau. “Maybe we’ll have to slow down a bit, but I love the energy he gives us.”
A first-round pick a year ago, Grimes appeared in 46 games as a rookie, scoring 6.0 points and shooting 38.1% from 3-point range. He shined in the league his Las Vegas summer, averaging 22.6 points, 4.0 assists, and his 3-pointers of 3.4 with a plus-10 rating. He showcased new aspects of his game, such as his ability to enter the basket as a playmaker.
“His intensity is what sets him apart,” said Thibodeau. “The shot profile, he knows what shots he should hit. He knows how to play. He knows, he plays with speed. think.
The Knicks stuck with the same starting pitchers: Fournier, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Branson and Julius Randle.
They were impressive again and held the key to victory. Branson led the league with 27 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and a plus-27 rating in his 31 minutes. The Knicks outscored four preseason opponents by 63 points when Branson was on the court. Robinson had his best preseason game with 20 points, 12 rebounds (9 offensively) and 2 blocks.
Obi Toppin twisted his ankle in the fourth quarter and did not return. There was no update for Thibodeau after the match. … ex-Nick Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) didn’t play for the Wizards, nor did Deni Avdija (left groin strain). … The Knicks signed undrafted rookie James Akinjo Friday afternoon, giving them a full 20-man preseason roster. Played for the Hawks in Summer League.
