In recent years, manager Tom Thibodeau has gradually incorporated young players into the Knicks' rotation, including Miles McBride and later traded Quentin Grimes.
With veteran guard Cam Payne missing his third consecutive game Friday night, rookie guard Tyler Kolek was asked to take on an expanded role and responded well.
Marquette, a second-round pick, played a season-high 16 minutes and finished with eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, two 3-pointers, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
“He's getting better every day,” Thibodeau said. “He's got a great feel for the game and he's a hard worker. He's still learning the league, but he understands what's going on defensively and he's more aware of the people and teams he's guarding. It will get better and better as you get more familiar with it.
“I think you can see his confidence grow each time he goes. We have a lot of confidence in him and we feel it every day. Usually it starts with practice and if you practice well, Most of the time, I can play well.”
Added starting point guard Jalen Brunson: “I talk to Tyler every day. I like Tyler and just watching him work hard every chance he gets and I'm excited for his future. It will be.”
Retired former Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony snuggled with center Karl-Anthony Towns for several minutes in the locker room after Friday's game.
“As you can probably tell from interviews and other things, I'm a huge Carmelo Anthony fan,” said Towns, who grew up in New Jersey. “Melo was an integral part of my childhood and playing basketball, and if I could have the same career as him, I would be so close to being one of the greatest players of all time. “I'm going to be very, very happy and honored. It was great to see Melo on the court and play against him, but to be here in New York and to be a Knick and to be one of the greatest Knicks of all time. It was a weird feeling to be with ', which is pretty cool. ”
Asked what he learned about Towns as a teammate, Josh Hart quipped: I kind of picked it up and I didn't call him that for a while,” he said, referring to Towns' nickname, KAT.
“Plus, he's a very team-oriented player, a team-first guy,” Hart added. “He's willing to sacrifice. Obviously, when one of your guys, one of your engines, has that kind of responsibility, it trickles down.”
Payne (hamstring) and Miles McBride (illness) are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pacers.
Indiana has three players listed as questionable: Obi Toppin (ankle), Andrew Nembhard (knee) and TJ McConnell (illness). Aaron Nesmith (ankle), Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) and James Wiseman (Achilles) are out.
