SummerRaptors 89, SummerKnicks 79: Scenes from ‘The Gang Who Couldn’t Hit Threes’

The New York Knicks kicked off their Summer League campaign with an 89-79 loss to the Toronto Raptors. If you’re looking for a main culprit for the loss, it was definitely the Knicks’ three-point shooting. New York shot 7-40 from beyond the arc, and they were 3-33 at one point in the game. That ain’t gonna get it done, friends.

The biggest takeaway from the game should be the strong, assertive play of Obi Toppin. The big man took a long time to adjust to the NBA as a rookie, but he looked like a veteran in Vegas, using his size and strength to bully Toronto to the tune of 24 points and 8 rebounds. He shot 2-10 from three, but a tidy 8-11 from inside the arc. The three-ball is important, but Obi is always going to make his bones on the inside.

The biggest surprise for New York was the play of rookie Jericho Sims. The No. 58 pick in last month’s draft looked like a damn steal on Sunday, with 12 points on 6-6 shooting and 8 rebounds.

He showed off some skill as a roll man.

He also displayed a deft touch with the hook shot.

Oh yeah...the kid can absolutely murder a basketball rim, too.

We’ll have some more notes on the game later. Have a good rest of the weekend.