CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jalen Brunson thought twice about going 1-on-2 in transition, as an alternative dribbled again exterior and flipped the ball behind him to Karl-Anthony Cities, who made a 3-pointer with a defender in his face.
It’s the kind of two-man recreation the Knicks are hoping will elevate them to the following stage and produce an NBA championship to New York for the primary time since 1973.
It’s the explanation why the Knicks traded for the versatile Cities, a four-time NBA All-Star, final week. He can stretch opposing protection and open much more area for Brunson to function within the lane and assault the opening.
Cities had 10 factors on 2-for-7 capturing and 4 rebounds in quarter-hour in his preseason debut along with his new staff Sunday evening because the Knicks held on to beat the Charlotte Hornets 111-109. Brunson had 12 factors on 5-for-11 capturing and three assists.
Each solely performed the primary half, which led to a 61-61 tie.
Miles McBride led the Knicks with 22 factors.
Cities seemed out of synch at instances within the offense early on however proceeded to get extra comfy as the primary half wore on. 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.
The 7-foot middle was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves final week in a three-team commerce that included the Hornets.
The Knicks gave up three-time All-Star Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo, whereas reacquiring Keita Bates-Diop and likewise receiving a first-round decide. The Hornets obtained Charlie Brown, DaQuan Jeffries and Duane Washington Jr. and two second-round picks, together with the draft rights to middle James Nnaji.
Cities has averaged 22.9 factors and 10.8 rebounds whereas capturing 39.8% from 3-point vary throughout his 9 seasons within the league.
