Injured Knicks Find Two Hidden Gems in Win Over Wizards

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Mar 23, 2025 1:13 PM ET

On Saturday night, the New York Knicks held off the Washington Wizards, winning 122-103. The Knicks were led by 31 points from Karl-Anthony Towns and 27 points from Mikal Bridges, who went a perfect 4-4 from 3-point range in the second quarter.

With point guards Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride both missing the game, the Knicks had to go to their bench, which is not something Tom Thibodeau enjoys doing. However, with Cameron Payne starting and Tyler Kolek coming off the bench, the Knicks were able to win, and they learned some lessons along the way.

Kolek finished with eight assists (five of them to Bridges) and not a single turnover. Granted, he only scored four points, but he also racked up three steals. Payne offered more of the same in the starting five, scoring only 13 points but dishing seven dimes of his own.

While Kolek and Payne are certainly downgrades from Brunson and McBride, the Knicks have enough scoring on the wings and in the frontcourt for the pass-first guards to orchestrate an efficient offense, even without their All-Star captain.

In the postseason, Brunson is expected to return and play a massive role, likely sliding Kolek back out of the rotation, although if the worst comes to pass, New York could stay afloat with their shocking deep bench that hardly ever sees the light of day.

The Knicks will have a few days off, not playing again until Tuesday when they host the hapless Dallas Mavericks in what should be an easy win, giving Payne and Kolek another chance to show some flashes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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