Game thread: Portland Trailblazers @ NY Knicks. 7:30 11/20/2018 [Game #18]

Knicks' Fizdale unveils new lineup ahead of Tuesday's game

Mario Hezonja will make his first start

Amid a five-game losing streak, Knicks coach David Fizdale has opted to reshuffle the team's lineup ahead of Tuesday night's game.

Enes Kanter will return to the starting lineup alongside Emmanuel Mudiay, Tim Hardaway Jr., Mario Hezonja, Noah Vonleh, and Enes Kanter.

Hardaway Jr. and Mudiay are the only two holdovers from the most-recent lineup. Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, and Allonzo Trier started on Sunday.

Fizdale said Robinson was removed from the lineup because he was getting into foul trouble early in games, per Ian Begley of ESPN.

Tuesday's game will mark Hezonja's first start.

Thanks for the game thread Mafra. I read a comment froma guy on a blog that said hw was losing faith in Fizdale with his lineup changes. He was right, Fiz is Dr. Frankenstein with this one cobbling pieces together. Now he goes with the all NBA lineup of experienced vets and no rookies. JR is leaving the Cavs saying he believes they don't want to win games and are tanking the remainder of the season, Fiz said winning games isn't important this season but development is so why not continue to play the rookies instead of vets like the Cavs are doing.

Yup, keep changing the starters every 2 games, that will build chemistry and excite the fan base which knows that whenever a player you like starts getting minutes it?s only a matter of time until his ass is back on the bench.

Portland is one of the better teams we've faced so an experienced lineup is the one you want if you want to win. These 5 guys have gone to war with the Blazers before.

Anyone know anything about that kid Layman? I saw him play against the Wiz and he didn't do much and I was wondering why he was starting.

NYK off to a decent start...

Sounds like this Jenkins kid is raining 3s in Westchester...

Professional lineup tonight instead of D-leaguers which is good. NBA TV game I’m checking it out

mafra said:

NYK off to a decent start...

Sounds like this Jenkins kid is raining 3s in Westchester...

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Bring him up Fiz will get him into the starting lineup. Pretty soon some fan is going to make a half court shot in one of those mid game contests and Fiz is going to go up to him and ask him if he wants a job.

51-48 NY. Knits just splashed the net for his first points. NY 8-13 from downtown with 5 to go b4 the half.

60-58 Knicks at the half. Timmy with 19 points on 9 shots.

Thanks for the Game-Thread Mafra ....
It looks like Fizdale finally put the Starting lineup I suggested during the preseason games ..
I just came in from the cold to catch the final seconds of the first half of Lillard stealing the ball from Burke to score 2

The Knicks night. We got this Enes knocks down a 3, 10-18 from downtown now. 72-65 Knicks. 8 left in the 3rd.

Vonleh DunkaDunk and Mudiay 3 ball gave the Knicks a 10 pt lead 75 - 65 Go Knicks !!!

The Knicks beat Portland tonight and Portland may do a trade with the Wizards tomorow LMAO

Mudiay is improved, maybe not enough for some Knick fans but he is. The pace at which he plays and manner in which he's experimenting getting his offense is the reason why he starts. Pretty plain to see

This is where Fiz gets to earn his big bucks. Manage the game, fire the boys up, protect a 10pt lead and win this.

tiger0330 said:

This is where Fiz gets to earn his big bucks. Manage the game, fire the boys up, protect a 10pt lead and win this.

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Naaaah we still need to lose, it has to look good when we do. He said to the press we're not focused on Wins and Losses we have to be honest with the team we have. Basically saying anticipate losses we're not a good team. Development is the key

Broadway said:

Mudiay is improved, maybe not enough for some Knick fans but he is. The pace at which he plays and manner in which he's experimenting getting his offense is the reason why he starts. Pretty plain to see

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3+ years in the league, playing all summer in his contract year why wouldn't he. He's not going to be a hot ticket this off-season maybe a MCW role with someone for a one year min contract.

This is what you should be doing every game Knits, look to and pursue your offense every game.

Vonleh is a guy the Knicks keep for one of our exceptions.

Broadway said:

Naaaah we still need to lose, it has to look good when we do. He said to the press we're not focused on Wins and Losses we have to be honest with the team we have. Basically saying anticipate losses we're not a good team. Development is the key

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89-85 Blazers. So much for a 10 pt lead, if they can't win shooting 45% from 3 they'll never win.