New York Knicks middle Karl-Anthony Cities grabs a rebound as guard Josh Hart appears to be like on through the first half of an NBA preseason basketball recreation in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Picture/Chris Carlson)Supply: Article
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jalen Brunson thought twice earlier than making a 1-on-2 in transition, as a substitute dribbled exterior and despatched the ball behind him to Karl-Anthony Cities, who scored 3 factors with a defender within the face.
It is the kind of two-man recreation the Knicks hope will elevate them to the subsequent degree and convey an NBA championship to New York for the primary time since 1973.
That is why the Knicks traded for the versatile Cities, a four-time NBA All-Star, final week. He can develop the opposing protection and open up much more house for Brunson to function within the lane and assault the outlet.
Cities had 10 factors on 2-of-7 capturing and 4 rebounds in quarter-hour in his preseason debut along with his new group Sunday evening because the Knicks held on to beat the Charlotte Hornets 111-109. Brunson had 12 factors on 5-of-11 capturing and three assists.
The 2 solely performed the primary half, which led to a 61-61 tie.
“I do know their abilities, so it’s about enjoying with them,” Cities mentioned. “Lastly having the ability to placed on a Knicks jersey and play 5-on-5 was actually cool.”
Brunson added: “It is positively going to take time, however when individuals are prepared to do what it takes to win, it will sink in in some unspecified time in the future. We speak continuously, we’re on the identical web page, and we’re excited to be teammates.
For Cities, that is his first time becoming a member of a brand new group, so he is undecided how lengthy it should take to develop that chemistry.
“On daily basis it’s nearly studying one another’s tendencies and persevering with to enhance,” Cities mentioned. “That’s actually what’s key for us.”
Nevertheless it’s clear that Cities is worked up about his new begin in New York.
“These guys are all tremendous, tremendous particular they usually’re all very proficient they usually’ve labored exhausting,” Cities mentioned. “The coaches make us do workouts that enable us to work on our abilities and timing.
Cities regarded out of sync at occasions early within the offense, however grew to become extra comfy as the primary half progressed. He struggled from deep, lacking his different 4 3-point makes an attempt and half of his factors got here from the free throw line.
“I believed it might be slightly hectic and there have been little areas we needed to clear up,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned. “They clearly want time, so I needed them to get their ft moist. The opening match is quick approaching and we’ve to get there.
The Knicks had good ball motion early, however missed a number of layups.
“We’ll have a look.” That is the time,” Thibodeau mentioned. “Some sequences have been good, others have to do higher. One half directs (the ball) to the unsuitable space.
The 7-foot middle was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves final week as a part of a three-team commerce that included the Hornets, so he hasn’t had a lot work along with his new teammates.
The Knicks gave up three-time All-Star Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo, whereas reacquiring Keita Bates-Diop and in addition receiving a first-round decide. The Hornets acquired Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffries and Duane Washington Jr. and two second-round picks, together with the draft rights to middle James Nnaji.
Cities averaged 22.9 factors and 10.8 rebounds whereas capturing 39.8 p.c from 3-point vary throughout his 9 seasons within the league.
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