Late run by New York Knicks falls short; 3 takeaways
2. Unheralded performances from two Knicks
Elfrid Payton entered the game at the 7:56 mark of the second quarter with the New York Knicks down 14. They went into the half down eight and by that point, it was clear the newly acquired floor general would assume the bulk of the responsibilities on that night.
His hands were active defensively, resulting in five steals, and he was quick to dish out the rock to the open man, finishing with eight assists. Dennis Smith Jr. and Frank Ntilikina are sure to have their moments just as much as Payton will struggle. For now, though, Payton seems to have earned the leg up.
That's it: Knicks lose 120-111. But Elfrid Payton might have forced a new starting lineup on Friday.
— Chris Iseman (@ChrisIseman) October 24, 2019
Not to be outdone, Kevin Knox put up a quiet 13 points in 21 minutes off the bench. The second-year forward was aggressive in getting to and finishing at the bucket and he canned three of his four attempts from beyond the arc.
Knox was historically inefficient as a rookie, but watching him play with confidence is a joyous moment for Knicks fans that is hopefully a sign of a resurgent sophomore campaign.
Both Payton and Knox are at two vastly different points in their careers with varying levels of expectations in New York. No matter their role, more of what was produced in San Antonio can only be good for both the players and the organization that’s put its trust in them.