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With less than two months remaining in this current G League season, the pressure begins to creep up on everybody. More than ever, will players make their next push to make it to the NBA. On the other hand, teams are constantly finding ways to develop them in midst of roster changes and some playoff hopes hanging in the distance. All of those things make the G-League unique and the Westchester Knicks (19-15) are facing such moments from this season’s second half schedule.
After enduring a extensive travel schedule throughout December and January, the W-Knicks hosted a rare three-game home-stand between last Friday and this Monday night. And although, they did defeat the Memphis Hustle, the W-Knicks would lose their next two games against the Sioux Skyforce (22-11) and Raptors 905 (19-12), 121-113 and 106-91.
All three games shared a few similarities for the W-Knicks. First of all, this team had their share of leads. Secondly, the offensive production was mostly handled by a group of five-six players who scored double-digit points every night. And last but not least, when speaking of the leads held by the W-Knicks, they surrendered those in the second half. On Saturday and Monday night, the Skyforce and Raptors 905 were very successful in rallying back in the third quarter and that was enough for them to win the game.
Even as Two Way player Kadeem Allen was transferred to the New York Knicks on Monday, the W-Knicks were capable of finding offensive help. For example, Sekou Wiggs, who’s scored at least 14 points four times since January 11th, did it again by scoring 22 points against the Raptors 905. Billy Garrett averaged 21 points after the first two games of this home-stand. And if you want to feel better, just know the new addition Jameel Warney is now holding a streak of seven consecutive games with at least 10 points.
As a team, the W-Knicks shot 44%-33%-67% from the field during the home-stand, and struggled mightily with turnovers. After allowing just eight of them against Memphis, the W-Knicks would give up the ball 29 times in two games, including 17 on Monday night.
Up next for the Westchester Knicks are a few days of rest before quickly returning to the road to face the Grand Rapids Drive on Friday, February 1st.