Even in Jerian Grant’s toughest times during the Knicks’ recent road trip when he got benched, the rookie backup point guard couldn’t compare his situation to what’s going on with his brother Jerami in Philadelphia.
Jerian Grant is finally coming on in the past three contests after a stretch in which it looked like opponents had figured out how to shut him down. Sparked by facing his brother for the first time in an NBA regular-season game, Jerian had one of his best outings of the season Wednesday against the Sixers. Grant pushed the pace frenetically, scoring 12 points on 5 of 9 shooting and adding two assists. He made two perimeter jumpers, his weakness, though he also registered four turnovers.
“I am always in attack mode, but knocking down jumpers will make the game a lot of easier,’’ Grant said. “I hit a couple early. I know I can shoot. It’s not really a problem. Getting consistent will help.’’
The Sixers are 1-19 after their 99-87 loss to the Knicks. Though Jerami is a poor shooter, he is an active defender as a power forward and blocked three shots with one steal and four rebounds against the Knicks.
Harvey Grant, a former Washington Bullet, and Beverly were on hand to see their sons square off.
“It’s a struggle,’’ Jerian Grant said of Jerami’s season. “He doesn’t like to lose. But he’s playing hard, diving on the floor today, blocking shots. Doing what he can.’’
Jerian is at least a better perimeter shooter than his brother, who was 0 for 5 from 3-point land and lofted one airball that came closer to hitting the beer vendor than the rim.
Eight days ago in Orlando, Jerian Grant was benched in the second half of a Knicks loss after going scoreless and assist-less in the first half. It was his third straight game of failing to notch a field goal or an assist, the lowlight to a two-week lull.
In the past three games, Grant is shooting 12 of 19 and coach Derek Fisher is breathing a sigh of relief. On Sunday against Houston, Grant nailed his only 3-point attempt and was 3 of 3 from the field.
“Obviously I was struggling a few games ago,’’ Grant said. “Getting back in a rhythm and being able to get back the trust from the coach feels better.’’
Fisher hinted he saw an intensity dropoff in Grant during his struggles of mid-November.
“Being a rookie in this league as a point guard is very tough to do, never goes in a straight line,’’ Fisher said. “You probably have higher highs and lower lows than any other position — responsible for so many things. All we’re encouraging Jerian to do is continue to be confident and trust himself and even with the mistakes to be fully engaged. We see a level of engagement and urgency on the court. He’s a cool and calm customer, but we want to make sure he’s impacting the game when he’s out there. Tonight he did so.’’
• Not many expected the Knicks to have a shot at being .500 after 20 games, but they have a real crack at it as they face the woebegone Nets on Friday at the Garden. In the improved East, the Knicks likely will need at least a .500 record to snare the No. 8 seed. (Last season, the Nets earned the last playoff spot with a 38-44 record.)
“I think we’re taking steps in the right direction but we still need to be greedy and hungry,’’ Fisher said.
Carmelo Anthony said he’s not paying attention to the Eastern Conference standings, which currently show 10 teams above .500. The Knicks stand at 11th in the East at 9-10.
“We just want to stay around that .500 mark right now,’’ Anthony said. “There’ll be a point where we’ll look to get separation. Friday’s a big game for us.’’
• Fisher expounded on the obvious chemistry between Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Center Robin Lopez has played well off Porzingis, too. Fisher has often talked about how Lopez clears out his man, enabling Porzingis to get easy boards. It’s becoming a nasty frontline.
“Carmelo draws a lot of attention and makes it easy for guys around him,’’ Fisher said. “They do have an accord and chemistry that will develop more over time as they play together. Kris has earned the level of respect for veteran guys like Melo, and he’ll continue to invest time and offer him direction. We like what we have right now.’’
• Shooting guard Sasha Vujacic made a cameo for 6:17 and missed all four shots. His shooting percentage is down to 26.1 percent — 14.7 percent from the 3-point line. The percentages rank among the bottom in the league. Did somebody say Jimmer?