The Knicks had been with out famous Celtics killer Evan Fournier on Saturday evening, however the teammate who changed him within the beginning lineup not less than tried to imagine that function.
With Fournier sidelined with a contused left hip, Immanuel Quickley moved into the beginning lineup and scored 12 of his 18 factors within the first half to offer one of many few optimistic performances within the Knicks’ lowest scoring sport of the season, a 99-75 blowout loss to the Celtics in Boston.
“I assumed he performed rather well. The primary half he had us organized and had actual beauty,” coach Tom Thibodeau stated of Quickley. “It was a great begin for him after which I would like him to take extra management within the second half, and I feel he'll. He’s carried out a great job for us.”
Fournier had netted a season-high 41 factors and matched J.R. Smith’s franchise file with 10 made 3-pointers within the Knicks’ buzzer-beating win Thursday over the Celtics at Madison Sq. Backyard. He had averaged 35 factors with 20 3-pointers in three video games towards his former workforce this season earlier than sitting out Saturday evening.
Making solely his second begin of the season, Quickley nailed all three of his makes an attempt from lengthy distance and performed all 12 minutes within the first quarter, when the Knicks grabbed a 26-21 lead.
With guards Derrick Rose (ankle) and Kemba Walker (knee) additionally nonetheless out of the lineup, Quickley remained on the ground to start out the second quarter, logging practically quarter-hour general earlier than Thibodeau changed him with RJ Barrett. Quickley’s 12 factors within the half paced the Knicks, who trailed by two, 44-42, at intermission.
The 22-year-old former Kentucky star knocked down three midrange jumpers within the third quarter to spice up his complete to 18. However he didn’t rating thereafter and the Celtics prolonged their result in as many as 18 earlier than carrying a 76-60 benefit into the ultimate interval.
“[Thibodeau] simply talked to me one-on-one about [taking control] and I’m nonetheless studying,” Quickley stated. “I’ll be the primary one to let you know I’m not good. I wish to be, as a lot as I may be. However simply making an attempt to take command of the workforce and put guys the place they have to be whether or not it’s offense or protection.
“Simply going by means of issues like this, it helps out so much. I’ll be higher, we’ll be higher subsequent sport.”
Although Julius Randle, Barrett and Alec Burks shot a mixed 29.4 % from the sphere (15-for-51), Quickley completed 7-for-11 and added 4 assists over 37 minutes, together with 3-for-5 from 3-point land.
Apart from Quickley and Mitchell Robinson (5-for-5, 11 factors), the Knicks posted an mixture .270 capturing share.
“I feel our workforce is our workforce. … I really feel like whoever we play, we are able to get a win,” Quickley stated. “Whoever steps in can assist us win, we simply must be higher as a workforce.”
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