New York Knicks: 3 takeaways from preseason game against Washington Wizards

1. The new additions

Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott were not exactly the return most fans felt would be justifiable in trading Carmelo Anthony. What many fans may have not already known is that while it does add depth in an unusual manner, the pair has upside and were low-risk additions.

Enes Kanter has proven capable more recently in his career and is determined to make it clear he can be a very tough 5 to guard; he can score at will in the paint. This is a good thing, but what the Knicks needed and still need the most is improved defense.

Kanter was as productive and physical on the night with 16 points on 54.5 percent shooting from the field in 23 minutes of play. He drew contact multiple times, which led to him getting to the line and hitting 4-of-5 free throws, while also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out five assists.

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Enes Kanter is certainly a team player and a dominant scorer, but defense will ultimately be what makes the difference between winning and losing.

Doug McDermott had what was certainly a frustrating night. He had plenty of opportunities but did not thrive or succeed in any particular area. Finishing the night with 20 minutes of play, he scored nine points on 33.3 percent shooting from the field, shooting 1-for-2 from the free throw line and 1-for-3 from beyond the arc. He grabbed just two rebounds and one assist while turning the ball over twice.

McDermott lacked production overall and did not show much on defense either, although he may have been snubbed with a potential play of the game. In the closing minutes, Damyean Dotson picked up an offensive foul fractions of a second after dishing the ball to McDermott, which would have made the game a one basket difference with 30 seconds left in regulation.

Overall the New York Knicks improved where they needed to beyond the arc from their first game and we saw how they operate without their unicorn, which was not bad at all.

Next: 10 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

The Knicks will look to win their first game of the preseason on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.