LAS VEGAS — Quentin Grimes’ objective was to “dominate” summer season league play.
It took him a while Friday night time, however the Knicks’ younger guard adopted by means of in his crew’s opening sport.
After lacking eight consecutive photographs, Grimes took off within the second half, main the Knicks to a 101-88 victory over the defending Las Vegas Summer time League champion Warriors on the Thomas and Mack Middle.
With crew president Leon Rose, proprietor James Dolan coach Tom Thibodeau and teammates Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, Cam Reddish and Obi Toppin in attendance, Grimes completed with 24 factors, eight assists, 4 rebounds, two steals and only one turnover in 32 high quality minutes.
“I really feel like I sort of dominated or virtually obtained shut within the second half,” Grimes mentioned. “Simply attempt to dominate offensively, defensively by being in the fitting positions. It’s not at all times about making photographs.”
Whereas his perimeter jumper was off for many of the night time — the previous first-round pick of Houston went 4-for-14 from 3-point vary — the 6-foot-4 Grimes saved on capturing.
Even after hitting two in a row from distance early within the third quarter to get going, Grimes didn’t accept lengthy jumpers. He attacked the basket and completed by means of contract, one thing he has labored on this offseason to enhance his 3-point shot. He hit seven of his final 12 photographs, and likewise was a robust distributor on this night time.
“Hopefully I’ll have an even bigger position as a playmaker [this year] and likewise keep on with my roots as a defensive participant and as a shooter,” he mentioned.
This can be a essential offseason for Grimes, the very best Knicks rookie final yr, whose progress was set again by a knee harm late within the yr. Thibodeau has raved about his protection, which can give Grimes a shot at a beginning position within the backcourt subsequent yr, alongside newcomer Jalen Brunson.
He's hoping to make an announcement over the subsequent 10 days in Las Vegas. With that in thoughts, Friday night time was a robust begin for him.
Feron Hunt added 17 factors, Jericho Sims had 16 factors, 10 rebounds and two blocks and Miles McBride chipped in 14 factors and 7 assists within the win.
Moses Moody, a lottery decide a yr in the past, led all scorers with 34 factors for the Warriors.
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