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New York Knicks: Players Who Stepped Up Against Brooklyn Nets

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:11 p.m. ET

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After a disappointing result in the preseason opener, the New York Knicks needed a win over the Brooklyn Nets. These players made that happen.

Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Nets 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks began the 2016-17 season in underwhelming style. The defense was nonexistent as New York dropped a 130-103 blowout to James Harden, Ryan Anderson and the Houston Rockets.

Fortunately, with the fan base already uneasy, the Knicks bounced back with a convincing win over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Knicks and Nets have a rivalry that never truly gained traction, but is legitimate enough based on location. Thus, even when the games don’t actually matter, bragging rights are on the line when the New York teams are involved.

In the first encounter of the 2016-17 NBA season, the Knicks dominated the Nets by a score of 116-98.

It was a much-needed win for a Knicks team that got off to quite the underwhelming start. It’s only the preseason, but that phrase only works for teams that show signs of improved chemistry and execution.

In the second game of the preseason, New York showed signs of improved chemistry and execution. These five players made that happen.

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) defends New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony

Position: Small Forward
Minutes Played: 19
Stat Line: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 offensive rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, 6/11 FG, 2/4 3PT, 2/4 FT
+/-: +4

The New York Knicks will ride Carmelo Anthony to either success or failure in 2016-17. That ship will not be abandoned if things don’t go according to plan; Anthony is the franchise player and New York is trusting him to embrace that responsibility.

Following a rough game against the Houston Rockets, Anthony torched the Brooklyn Nets 16 points in just 19 minutes of playing time.

Anthony did a bit of everything on the offensive end. He shot the 3-ball, worked from midrange, attacked the offensive glass, and killed the Nets’ interior players with his agility and second jump—the latter of which he struggled with in 2015-16.

Anthony’s final stat line included 16 points, four rebounds, two offensive boards, three assists, one block, and one steal.

As the latter two statistics would imply, Anthony gave a solid effort on defense. He played a well-rounded two-way game, which is exactly what team president Phil Jackson asked him to do prior to the 2015-16 NBA regular season.

Anthony looked both like himself and the all-around player he could become.

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Baker

Position: Shooting Guard
Minutes Played: 20
Stat Line: 9 points, 1 steal, 2/2 FG, 2/2 3PT, 3/3 FT
+/-: +14

With an opportunity to secure a main roster spot on the line, Ron Baker stepped up against the Brooklyn Nets. Derrick Rose’s absence created minutes for the rookie guard, and Baker capitalized on this rare chance to shine.

In 20 minutes of playing time, Baker recorded nine points and a steal on 2-of-2 shooting from the field, 2-of-2 shooting from beyond the arc, and 3-of-3 shooting from the free throw line.

Baker spent the past four seasons as one of the stars for the Wichita State Shockers. He was a three-time First Team All-MVC honoree and an honorable mention for the 2015 All-American teams.

In his first opportunity to play big minutes for the Knicks, Baker flashed the 3-and-D potential that’s made him a popular name in New York.

Undrafted in 2016, Baker has an uncanny ability to expend equal energy towards spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. He’s also a crafty ball-handler and facilitator who can spend consistent time at point guard.

Cut from a similar cloth as Jeff Hornacek, who was once a combo guard himself, Baker could work his way onto the main roster with more performances like this.

Willy Hernangomez

Position: Center
Minutes Played: 20
Stat Line: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 6/10 FG, 0/1 3PT
+/-: +6

For the second consecutive preseason game, New York Knicks rookie Willy Hernangomez made the most of his opportunities. After providing great energy against the Houston Rockets, he flashed his low-post prowess against the Brooklyn Nets.

As both a scorer and facilitator, Hernangomez displayed the offensive upside that makes him the future of the center position for New York.

Hernangomez finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 6-of-10 shooting in 20 minutes of play. He consistently went to the post and had no trouble finishing in traffic against NBA competition.

The energy was there during the preseason opener, but Hernangomez did against Brooklyn what he did at the 2016 Summer Olympics: took over when his number was called.

At 22 years of age, Hernangomez’s fundamentals are ahead of the curve. It still needs polish, and he will need time to adjust, but it’s perfectly clear why Phil Jackson likes Hernangomez’s game so much.

With more performances like this, Hernangomez will safely secure his spot as the backup center in 2016-17 and the starting center in the future.

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) drives to the basket defended by Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Jennings

Position: Point Guard
Minutes Played: 14
Stat Line: 4 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 2/6 FG, 0/2 3PT
+/-: +12

If you’re judging Brandon Jennings by the box score, then you likely aren’t impressed. If you watched Jennings operate, however, you would have seen him pick the Brooklyn Nets apart with a brilliant effort for the New York Knicks.

Jennings pushed the pace, broke opponents down in the half court, and made a number of beautiful passes.

In all, Jennings finished with four points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 14 minutes of action.

Jennings commanded the attention of opposing defenses with his ability to push the pace and create penetration. When on the move, he showed the invaluable versatility to both facilitate and keep opposing defenses honest by fearlessly shooting the 3-ball.

Jennings may not have converted a 3-point field goal, but whenever he touched the ball, all defensive eyes turned his way.

Despite his flashy approach to the game, Jennings has always maintained a high level of efficiency as a facilitator. He has career averages of 5.9 assists to 2.3 turnovers in 32.3 minutes per game, which creates an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.57.

With Derrick Rose missing this game due to legal issues, Jennings reminded fans of the fact that there are two starting-caliber point guards on the roster.

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) looks to pass while defended by New York Knicks guard J.P. Tokoto (1) and New York Knicks forward Maurice Daly Ndour (2) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Maurice Ndour

Position: Forward
Minutes Played: 21
Stat Line: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 offensive rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 6/10 FG, 0/1 3PT
+/-: +7

Maurice Ndour provides a raw energy and tenacity that one can’t help but love. Jeff Hornacek praised the 2015 Summer League standout for that exact strength, which likely influenced the confidence with which Ndour performed.

In 21 minutes of court time, Ndour showed potential on both ends of the floor as a player whose energy and athleticism is complemented by an intriguing level of ability.

Ndour played a game-high 21 minutes and accumulated a +/- of +7. He recorded 12 points, four rebounds, three offensive boards, one assist, and two steals while shooting 6-of-10 from the field and once again proving his versatility.

An explosive athlete with a 7’4″ wingspan and a passion for the game that can’t be taught, Ndour made quite the case for being the Knicks’ backup power forward.

Ndour can shoot, which he’ll display in future games, but it’s his energy that will win him minutes. He competes on the offensive glass, can flex out to the perimeter defensively, and isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty along the interior.

This was a tremendous showing by a player whom many had forgotten about prior to Phil Jackson’s decision to sign him to a two-year deal.

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Porzingis

Position: Power Forward
Minutes Played: 19
Stat Line: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 offensive rebound, 1 assist, 1 block, 4/9 FG, 0/1 3PT, 4/4 FT
+/-: +9

After torching the Houston Rockets for 22 points in his preseason debut, the spotlight was shining on Kristaps Porzingis. Though he wasn’t as productive against the Brooklyn Nets, Porzingis showed significant signs of development.

Porzingis did an outstanding job of moving without the ball, as displayed in both transition and the half court.

Porzingis recorded 12 points, six rebounds, one offensive board, one assist, and a block in 19 minutes of action. He shot 4-of-9 from the field, missed a 3-point field goal attempt, and hit all four of his free throws.

Beyond the numbers, however, was the maturity that Porzingis showed when working without the ball on offense.

Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Jennings set him up beautifully, but Porzingis knew exactly where to be. He ran the floor at the perfect angles, knew exactly how to dive to the basket, and showed no qualms about entering the teeth of Brooklyn’s defense.

Porzingis has already won the masses over. Games like this are reminders of how great he truly could be.

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Chasson Randle (4) drives to the net between Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) and Brooklyn Nets forward Justin Hamilton (41) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Chasson Randle

Position: Point Guard
Minutes Played: 21
Stat Line: 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 5/9 FG, 3/5 3PT, 1/2 FT
+/-: +7

The New York Knicks need a backup to the backup point guard. That may not sound like a need, but Derrick Rose has a combination of medical red flags and legal issues that could lead to his missing significant time in 2016-17.

With Ron Baker excelling, Chasson Randle took it upon himself to absolutely show out with a main roster spot on the line.

Randle was nothing short of outstanding against the Brooklyn Nets. He finished with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 21 minutes, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from 3-point range.

Whether he was scoring, facilitating, or playing the passing lanes, Randle did a bit of everything at quite a high level.

Randle’s passes led his teammates to making the right decisions, which is the ultimate sign of a genuine facilitator. His shooting was lethal, as well, both off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations.

Randle has a chance to make the main roster.

Performances like this make it difficult to argue against him deserving a roster spot.

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