Overview
- The Knicks lost 148-98 in Toronto in a game where most regular starters were rested and the score reflected a second-night lineup imbalance rather than normal rotation play.
- James Wiseman led New York with 18 points and 10 rebounds on 7-for-8 shooting while playing 23:52, including four offensive rebounds and four made free throws.
- Coach Mike Brown sharply criticized the team’s defensive effort and singled out issues such as second-chance points and fast-break scoring while also saying Wiseman has matured since his earlier years in the league.
- Andre Drummond, Drew Eubanks and Tony Bradley remain in the competition for the limited bench center role and Bradley left the Toronto game favoring a hamstring in a developing situation.
- The scheduled preseason rematch at Madison Square Garden is framed as the next real audition to see whether Wiseman can translate finishing and rebounding into dependable defense and earn a non-guaranteed roster spot after past injuries and missed time.