Jalen Brunson, the starting point guard for the Knicks, missed his second consecutive game on Tuesday night due to a sore left foot.
Despite his absence, Immanuel Quickley, who played 55 minutes and scored 38 points in Sunday’s double-overtime win in Boston, was unable to repeat his outstanding performance.
He only managed to score 14 points on 5-for-16 shooting during Tuesday’s game against the Hornets at the Garden, which ended in a 112-105 loss and broke the Knicks’ winning streak.
Quickley acknowledged his poor performance and stated that they would learn from the defeat and move on to the next game against Sacramento on Thursday.
Tom Thibodeau reported that Brunson was feeling much better, but not yet ready to return to the lineup. However, he is expected to join the Knicks on their four-game western trip.
When asked if Brunson would have played if it was a playoff contest, Thibodeau stated that the decision would be up to the medical staff and the player.
Thibodeau emphasized the team’s depth and the need for the next player to step up and perform in the event of an absence.
Obi Toppin made a key 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, but he finished 1-for-4 from long distance and has been struggling with a 7-for-39 shooting slump from beyond the arc in his last 13 appearances.
Thibodeau encouraged Toppin to take shots if he is open and let the game guide his decisions.
The Hornets were without LaMelo Ball due to an ankle injury and Cody Martin due to a knee injury.
»Jalen Brunson misses second consecutive game«
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