And if Evan Fournier was returning to Tom Thibodeau’s rotation? The Frenchman is asking for just that, and so far, he has not disappointed in preseason. Even though last night, the Knicks lost 121-112 at home against the Wolves, Fournier was good, and more particularly when he came into play at the start of the 2nd quarter.
Entering in place of RJ Barrett, Fournier was surrounded by Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle, and he will be at the heart of a 17-4 to allow New York to take control, and lead 51- 43. We will remember from this passage, these two 3-points in a row. The first in first intention on transition play. Ideal for building confidence. The second, just after, in the corner, on a good shift from DiVincenzo. On the defensive retreat, Fournier thanks his new teammate, and we even see him smile. Six minutes after coming into play, he is up to 10 points on 4 out of 4 shots.
Fournier keeps hope alive
Unfortunately, the rest will be less fun, and the Wolves will take control before the break. Alongside Fournier, Randle is out of the picture and Brunson is awkward. Upon returning from the locker room, Fournier is on the bench, and as in the first period, he will wait until the start of the 4th quarter to come back into play. Still in Barrett’s place, while the score is tied (84-84) . This time, he is surrounded by Miles McBride, Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Roby. The Wolves bench is more efficient and takes off thanks to Shake Milton and Naz Reid (104-95).
But Fournier maintains hope, first on a big offensive rebound that he puts back in, then on a 3-pointer, which brings the Knicks to -3 (104-101). But behind, the defense cracks, and the Wolves sign an 11-0 in three minutes (115-101). Thibodeau recalls his “second unit”, and sends the “training camp” guests to stretch their legs.
At the finish, Minnesota won 121-112 with 15 points in 19 minutes for Fournier. Opposite, Rudy Gobert only takes one shot for 4 points and 9 rebounds. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 17 points while shooting 12 of 32.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
