The Knicks took a tough loss at the hands of the Clippers on Wednesday night, 126-113. Despite leading by double digits early and controlling most of the first half, a strong LA run downed New York on the second night of a back-to-back. James Harden and Kawhi Leonard turned back the clock, as they often have in recent games to help outscore NY 72-58 in the second half. Unfortunately, one of the reasons for their demise was the loss of Cameron Payne, who was starting in place of the injured Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride.
Payne played exceptionally well in his 18 minutes, posting 15 points on 6-9 from the field and 3-6 from deep. The ten-year veteran has been a spark plug for this Knicks team that can sometimes lack energy due to his infectious play-style. While erratic at times, he provides a boost for Tom Thibodeau off the bench. His absence is much more costly now without the two players ahead of him in Brunson and McBride.
How Knicks Will Handle Point Guard After Cam Payne Injury
It’s unclear as of now when Payne will return to the lineup after suffering a rolled ankle. Brunson is still recovering from the nasty ankle injury he sustained on March 6, and McBride is day-to-day with a groin strain but doesn’t appear to be cleared to play anytime soon. So, how will the Knicks handle the next few games from a point guard perspective?
Knicks Fans Shouldn’t Panic Despite Payne’s Injury
First, it’s important to note that these injuries are simply no reason to panic. New York has ten games left in the season, and they’re all relatively meaningless. While they have a tough remaining schedule (seventh-hardest at .550), it wouldn’t be damaging at all for NY to lose ground in the standings. They have leads of three games over Indiana, 4.5 ahead of Detroit, and five clear of Milwaukee. It would be almost impossible to fall farther than fourth, and I like Cleveland’s side of the bracket better anyway. However, it’s still important to play your best basketball going into the playoffs.
Tyler Kolek and Delon Wright Will Get PG Duties
While Brunson, McBride, and Payne remain out, rookie Tyler Kolek and veteran Delon Wright will take over the point guard spot. Both played big minutes in the second half vs. LAC and struggled mightily as the Knicks collapsed down the stretch. Each has a different strength, but several debilitating weaknesses that prevent them from being quality NBA guards.
Kolek’s an elite passer with a chance to be one of the game’s best playmakers due to his vision, creativity, and fundamentals, a rare combination for such a young player. He brings experience to the position after four years in college, and just turned 24 years old. Unfortunately, his inability to shoot and score efficiently makes him an easy guard for opposing defenses, and he’s also a poor defender. Now, the Marquette product has rarely played quality NBA minutes so far, and he has a lot of time to grow. He’s simply not ready to hold down the point guard spot at the professional level yet, but he will get a great opportunity here.
Wright is a special perimeter defender who can still guard the opposing team’s best ball-handlers at this stage of his career. He’s also strong enough to hold up in switches. New York won’t lose anything on that end with Wright, but their offense will suffer. He’s a poor shooter (25.5% from three this season) who will provide another guy for defenses to sag off of. He certainly doesn’t offer much as an on-ball creator.
All Three Guards Should Return Before the Season Ends
Luckily, while the outlook is bleak right now, the Knicks should get reinforcements before the playoffs. Neither McBride nor Payne seem to be seriously injured, and Brunson is working his way back ahead of schedule. All three of NY’s top point guards will likely return with at least a couple of games left to tune up for the postseason.
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