Cup Basketball is back, and with that…
…so are your reigning Champs.
Here’s a bunch of quotes before today’s affair.
Mike Brown
On Rick Brunson suggesting the Tyler Kolek-Jalen Brunson backcourt combination against Chicago:
“One
of the things he suggested was throwing Kolek in the game with Jalen [Brunson].”
On Kolek’s performance in the Knicks’ comeback victory over the Bulls:
“Tyler had a big floor game for us.”
On Kolek’s role once Jose Alvarado return:
“Tyler is definitely going to keep playing while Jose is out. When he comes back, we’ll figure it out.”
Jalen Brunson
On the need for avoiding the opening-night mistakes that doomed the Knicks:
“We just need to obviously not do what we did [the last time we played them].”
Tyler Kolek
On avoiding turnovers and making smarter decisions as the Knicks’ backup point guard:
“Not trying to make the home run play. Just trying to get us in the offense, get the best shot for our team. It’s about being more mature in my game. Trying to take care of the ball, that’s what the team needs. When I go in there, I can’t be turning it over, I can’t be throwing it all over the floor. Got to get us in the offense, got to get us good shots.”
On playing alongside Jalen Brunson and benefiting from the defensive attention he attracts:
“We played together last season for stretches. He’s a great guy to play off. They’re going to double-team him, you get open shots.”
On the defensive challenges of playing in a two-point-guard lineup and staying ready for opportunities:
“Obviously it’s two smaller guards, so I have to compete harder on defense.
“You guys have seen [the double point guard]. It’s been successful in stretches, with Jose in the playoffs. With me a little bit in the NBA Cup. And then a couple games sprinkled in. But when coach is searching, trying to find something, everybody on the bench has to be ready for any situation.”
Shams Charania
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ willingness to accept a discount:
“He will sign for less than his max contract. He’ll take a sizable discount. $70 plus million less, that’s something that he is not willing to do right now.”
