WASHINGTON (Dispatches) —Knicks opened the preseason with a 124-121 overtime win over the Wizards after a week of training camp, banging with each other and trying to absorb the lessons of new coach David Fizdale.
As the plan calls for, Kristaps Porzingis was not with the Knicks as they traveled for the game. He stayed home rehabilitating his ACL tear, an injury that could keep him out either a few more months of maybe the entire season. So while Fizdale preaches toughness and hustle and belief, he lacks the weapons he needs to actually make anyone outside the locker room — such as the season-ticket holders — believe that this season’s team is more than just something to pass the time.
The Knicks have made it clear that this is a player development season. So seeing Kevin Knox in the starting lineup Monday was an encouraging beginning, and watching second-round pick Mitchell Robinson throwing down lobs for dunks and getting under the skin of Markieff Morris enough to incite the veteran forward into a pair of technicals and an ejection was fun for fans.
**** Oct 1, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox (20) passes the ball against Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports