Knicks takeaways from Wednesday's 128-103 blowout loss to Thunder

Fizdale's new starting lineup didn't work out in its first game together

11/15/2018, 3:45 AM
Nov 14, 2018; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball over New York Knicks center Enes Kanter (00) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Ferguson
Nov 14, 2018; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball over New York Knicks center Enes Kanter (00) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Ferguson

The Knicks tried a new starting five on Wednesday night, but it didn't work as Paul George led the Thunder to a dominant 128-103 win on their home court. >> Box score

Things to know about Sunday's game

1) Head coach David Fizdale mixed up his starters with rookie Kevin Knox getting his first career start, and Emmanuel Mudiay taking over for Damyean Dotson and Frank Ntilikina respectively. But the move didn't change the woes the Knicks have faced in the last three games. Knox did finish with 15 points, but only on 5-of-16 from the field, including two three-pointers. Mudiay had just seven points, and was quick to dish the ball back out to the perimeter when he looked to have an open lane to the bucket on some possessions.

2) George was just too much for the Knicks tonight. He had a game-high 35 points on 13-of-22 from the field, including five threes. He also had seven rebounds and five assists as well.

3) Enes Kanter got to see some nice time on the floor (22 minutes) against his former teammate in Steven Adams. Both players finished with 19 points as Kanter shot a very efficient 8-for-11 from the field with five rebounds as well. Kanter didn't get a start once again, as Noah Vonleh walked out with the starting five. But Kanter played more minutes, and had more of an impact. 

4) Mitchell Robinson rolled his ankle in the first half, and was eventually benched out of caution for the rest of the game. He finished with six points. 

5) Tim Hardaway Jr. finished with a team-high 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting for an even 50 percent from the field. He only played 24 minutes, though, as the Thunder didn't allow the Knicks to stay in a close game. 

6) The Knicks have lost three straight games on a blowout, and have lost back-to-back games by 25 or more. 

What's next:

The Knicks travel down to New Orleans to face Anthony Davis and the Pelicans on Friday night at 8 p.m.

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