Knicks Face Backcourt Crisis as Cameron Payne Suffers Ankle Injury
With three point guards sidelined, rookie Tyler Kolek takes on starting role as Knicks struggle to secure playoff position.
- Cameron Payne sprained his right ankle during the Knicks' loss to the Clippers, leaving the team with no healthy veteran point guards.
- Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride remain out with injuries, though McBride is considered day-to-day and could return soon.
- Rookie Tyler Kolek, now the starting point guard, has shown promise as a playmaker but struggled defensively against the Clippers.
- The Knicks have lost seven of their last 12 games, putting pressure on the team to maintain their playoff standing with 10 games left in the regular season.
- Coach Tom Thibodeau and players emphasize a 'next man up' mentality, with Josh Hart and others stepping into expanded roles to address the team's challenges.