The New York Knicks decided to rest the starters for their fourth preseason game on Monday, which was against the Washington Wizards. Unfortunately, the bench couldn’t get the job done, as they were dominated by the Wizards 120-103.
The Knicks couldn’t match the Wizards’ intensity
Despite the Wizards playing a back-to-back and resting a handful of starters, they looked like the more energized team on Monday. They shot 53.7% from the field and knocked down 14 threes on 36 attempts (38.6%).
Six different Wizards players scored in double figures, with Marvin Bagley III leading the way in scoring with 18 points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds and finished as a +25.
New York, meanwhile, didn’t come out with the same energy. They shot just 44% from the field and 31% from three, and they were dominated from the get-go as they trailed by 36 at one point in this game.
Tyler Kolek was impressive
Despite the bad performance collectively, Tyler Kolek had a very strong game. He led the way in scoring with 20 points, and he also dished out six assists and grabbed four rebounds.
Kolek is one of the players who could find himself traded given the current roster situation. With the expectation that Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet will both make the final roster, the Knicks need to make a move to open up space on the roster to sign both of them.
Kolek has been one of the players who have been mentioned in trade rumors. His performance on Monday, however, makes the Knicks’ decision on his future even tougher.
Overview
The Knicks’ bench put up a stinker against Washington, but luckily, the preseason is a good time to iron out the kinks. They will look to bounce back in the preseason finale against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday before they begin the regular season next week.