New York Knicks Fall to Washington Wizards in Preseason Finale

Poor shooting and clumsy play led to a New York Knicks collapse in their preseason finale against the Washington Wizards.

The New York Knicks fell to the Washington Wizards by a 131-106 final on Wednesday night, ending the 2023 preseason on a three-game losing streak. Most of New York's regular starting lineup returned to the fold after sitting out of Tuesday's tilt in Boston but they were unable to withstand a 41-point outing for Washington's Jordan Poole.

All but one of the Knicks' five starters played at least 20 minutes, with the exception of Tuesday participant Quentin Grimes. Jalen Brunson struggled in his longest out of the four-game preseason slate and struggled to the tune of a 3-of-12 shooting night from the field. 

Julius Randle led the Knicks in scoring with 20 on an 8-of-15 while RJ Barrett followed close behind with 19. Barrett would play a full 34 minutes on the night, most on the Knicks. Though they had a mostly full contingent to work with, New York (1-3) held Immanuel Quickley out of action for the second straight 

In the first half alone, Poole had 29 points in 17 minutes, hitting four threes. Center Mike Muscala had 20 in the game shooting five-for-seven from deep in the game. Washington (3-0) built a 65-52 going into the halftime break and finished off the Knicks' exhibition slate with a 36-24 advantage in the final period. 

The next time the Knicks take the floor, it's for real: they'll open the 2023-24 season at home against the Boston Celtics next Wednesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).