Knicks' Luka Samanic: Scores 26 in return from injury

Samanic tallied 26 points (11--21 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, two blocked shots and one steal over 35 minutes for Westchester in a G League loss to Grand Rapids on Wednesday.

Samanic missed more than over a month with a foot injury, but he was able to return to Westchester's lineup in the team's first game of 2022. The big man picked up where he left off prior to the injury, finishing with his seventh straight performance of at least 25 points. Samanic hasn't yet played in an NBA game this season, but given the recent surge of players landing in COVID protocols and his dominance in the G League -- he is averaging 27.9 points, 10.4 boards, 3.2 assists, 2.2 three-pointers and 0.9 blocks over eight contests -- the former first-round pick figures to be among the top candidates for a roster spot should the Knicks find themselves in need of a big man.