The last thing the sliding Knicks need right now is a spreading COVID-19 issue.
RJ Barrett joined Obi Toppin in the league’s health and safety protocol on Sunday, and both players sat out the Knicks’ 112-97 loss to the Bucks at the Garden.
They were ruled unavailable after the Knicks arrived back in the United States following Friday’s loss in Toronto.
Starting point guard Alec Burks, who was expecting the birth of a child, also missed the game for personal reasons.
“It was tough, but a lot of people in the league, teams in the league, have to deal with it,” Knicks forward Julius Randle said after the game. “It’s the next man up, and dudes are ready for their opportunity and they were today.”
First-round pick Quentin Grimes and Derrick Rose moved into the starting lineup and netted 27 and 18 points, respectively.
As vaccinated players, Barrett and Toppin can return before 10 days if they submit two consecutive negative tests within 24 hours. But their status remains in doubt for Tuesday’s game against the Warriors.
RJ Barrett joined Obi Toppin in COVID-19 protocol before the Knicks’ 112-97 loss to the Bucks Sunday. AP“Our medical staff has been on top of this from the beginning,” Tom Thibodeau said before Sunday’s game. “They have reminders everywhere. You just can’t let your guard down. Sometimes you do everything possible and it still happens. It’s our reality. We have to deal with it.”
The Knicks also had played in Indiana on Wednesday, and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle tested positive for COVID-19 the following day. Raptors GM Masai Ujiri also has tested positive in recent days.
In addition to Grimes’ 27-point breakout in his first career start, former lottery pick Kevin Knox enjoyed his first impact of the season with 18 points, including 5-for-12 from 3-point land, in 28 minutes. He previously had logged only 22 total minutes over six appearances this season.
“The same thing with Kev, he comes in every day. He’s early, he’s part of the early group,” Thibodeau said. “Their job is — a lot of those guys aren’t in the rotation, but it’s to stay ready so that when you’re called upon, that you can perform well.
“We know he’s got the skill level to shoot. It’s the other things that we need him to do — his defense and rebounding also. But I was pleased with his readiness and his ability to shoot the ball.”
— With Marc Berman
