The New York Knicks’ busy start to their season extends one more day before finally offering them a breather.
They opened their season at home and lost to the Boston Celtics 108-104 on Wednesday night before defeating the host Atlanta Hawks 126-120 on Friday night.
They will complete their first back-to-back of the season and play their third game in four days when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
One was Jalen Brunson, who made just 6 of 21 shots in the opener but hit a career-high eight 3-pointers on 12 attempts and finished with 31 points. He made 11 of 21 field-goal attempts.
RJ Barrett scored 26 points and Julius Randle added 17 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
New York made 20 of 44 3-pointers.
The Pelicans enter their second game of the season having done a lot of good things in their opener.
All five starters scored in double figures, the team made 14 of 32 3-pointers and the Pelicans beat the Grizzlies 111-104 on Wednesday night in Memphis.
Guard CJ McCollum, who underwent offseason right thumb surgery while rehabbing a labrum injury in his right shoulder, was sharp, scoring a team-high 24 points, making 8 of 16 field-goal attempts, including 6 of 11 from long range.
But New Orleans also turned the ball over 21 times and will be looking to improve in that area against the Knicks.
Zion Williamson scored 12 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter on 5 of 7 shooting, and Jonas Valanciunas finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Pelicans had a 52-37 New Orleans edge on the boards and allowed just two fast-break points.
