The New York Knicks kicked off their summer league schedule with a tight contest against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday afternoon. Despite a valiant effort, the Knicks fell behind, losing 94-90, with a missed layup by Jacob Toppin in the closing moments that could have tied the game.
Jacob Toppin and Duane Washington led the Knicks team, delivering notable performances. Toppin was efficient from the field, shooting 8-16, while Washington went 8-18. Together, they accounted for 45 of the Knicks’ 90 points. Despite the loss, their efforts highlighted their fight for a roster spot.
Tyler Kolek, the team’s second pick out of Marquette, also made a significant impact. He posted a balanced stat line with seven points, seven assists and seven rebounds and was the only starter with a positive plus/minus of +9, indicating his effective play on the court.
First-round freshman Pacome Dadiet had an up-and-down performance, playing 28 minutes and posting five points, five rebounds and two assists, but he lost the ball twice and missed all three of his shots from beyond the arc.
The rest of the Knicks’ starters struggled to make a substantial impact, with the exception of Kolek and Washington, who handled the majority of the scoring and play-action. Rokas Jokubaitis, a former second-round pick from Lithuania, played just 14 minutes and was less effective, scoring eight points but committing three turnovers and overall underperforming.
Looking ahead, Tyler Kolek shows promise as a potential secondary ball-handler behind Jalen Brunson. His role off the bench could prove crucial next season. The Knicks will likely continue to give him significant minutes during Summer League to develop his skills and integrate him into the team’s strategy.