New York Knicks rookie forward Kevin Knox, who was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, just became the youngest player in franchise history to score at least 30 points in a single game when he tallied 31 points, seven rebounds and two steals against the Philadelphia 76ers in a barnburner loss.
The record was previously held by five-time All-Star, 1962 NBA champion and New York native Carl Braun, who spent 12 seasons with the Knicks (from 1947-48 to 1960-61). Braun was 21-years-old when he set the record with 30 points against the Washington Capitals in the third season in Knicks franchise history.
Knox, who entered Sunday's game averaging 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.5 steals per game while shooting 37.5 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three-point range, shot 12-23 from the field and 4-9 from three-point range in what was his best outing since his 26-point, 15-rebound double-double against the Charlotte Hornets on December 9th. He scored the Knicks first two points and their last three, razzling and dazzling whether he was operating in the halfcourt or running the break.
It was indeed a flash of the great player that Knox can be if he remains aggressive and hones in on his jump shot. He possesses a what's nearly a prototypical physical profile for a wing at 6-foot-9, 215 pounds and though he may seem a little light in the weight department, he's strong enough to finish through contact as he displayed on Sunday afternoon.
Considering that it took superstar Joel Embiid's typical dominance and what was one of the best performances in franchise history by Sixers point guard Ben Simmons, who recorded 20 points, 22 rebounds and nine assists on 10-13 shooting from the field to get Philadelphia the victory, Knox's performance stands out even more.
Hopefully, the NBA gets to see Knox grow into his potential, as he can be one of the most exciting players in the league in what's one of the NBA's largest markets.
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