New York Knicks

Opening the 2015-16 NBA season, the New York Knicks looked phenomenal in Milwaukee as they took down the Jason Kidd’s Bucks 122-97.

New York Knicks 122 (1-0)
Milwaukee Bucks 97 (0-1)
Full Game Box Score
BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

By Kevin Wiltse

The New York Knicks walloped the Milwaukee Bucks tonight, 122-97.

This was a great team win to start the season for Derek Fisher’s squad. We saw a lot of good passing, which is typical of a Phil Jackson-run team (making us believe Phil has started to make a difference in just his second year at the helm).

Derrick Williams led the way with 24 points, while both Langston Galloway and prized rookie Kristaps Porzingis finished with 16 apiece. Despite their big night, the Knicks did a good job of sharing the basketball with nine players registering eight points or more. The Knicks brought the energy into the gym, and through scrappy play and good teamwork they left the gym with a blowout win.

The story of the first half was Derrick Williams, finishing the half with 15 points and four rebounds all off of the bench. Another guy coming up big was the rookie Kristaps Porzingis. After being booed at the draft, he was phenomenal off the dribble in his first half in the NBA, and did a great job getting to the free throw line. Carmelo Anthony struggled in the first half, due to double teams and what seemed like rust. Robin Lopez did a good job on defense but did have a few turnovers, and nobody was better off the glass than O’Quinn who collected nine boards. Great ball movement by all players and did a good job of sharing the ball.

The second half was more of the same from this Knicks team. A lot of ball movement, quick passes, and tight defense. Carmelo knocked the rust off in this half and was much more effective than he was in the first half. Porzingis did a great job again of getting to the rack as well as getting to the line and using his size to his advantage. This looks like a complete team that can be carried by Carmelo Anthony if needed, but it doesn’t look like they have to because with him getting double team everyone else stepped up. Porzingis did a great job showcasing the true raw talent that got him selected 4th overall in the NBA draft, and Williams took over at times and showed that he can be take over a game.

This Knicks team officially seems to have a new identity. Although I am sure Melo will be the great scorer he has been his whole career, he doesn’t seem to be the only facet of this offense. Porzingis needs to be recognized for his great performance tonight. He did a great job putting the ball on the floor and using his size to beat people off the dribble and get to the line. The Knicks as a whole look very scrappy, and seem to have a lot of energy. Obviously, it is easier to have energy in the first game, but if they can maintain this fire they could surprise some people in the Eastern Conference.   The good ball movement they showcased was typical of a Fisher/Jackson offense and showed us that if the Knicks play as a team they are quite tough to beat. The Knicks will be tested early, as eight of their first nine games are against playoff teams from a year ago. The Knicks have a lot to prove over the next two weeks to show people that they are not the same old Knicks. Next up will be the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night for their home opener.

[su_button url=”https://elitesportsny.com/2015/10/27/curtis-granderson-hr-gives-the-new-york-mets-2-1-lead-in-game-1/” target=”blank” background=”#000080″ size=”10″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”0″]NEXT: Granderson Gives Mets 2-1 Lead In Game 1[/su_button]

-Follow ESNY - Elite Sports NY on Google News to keep up with the latest New York sports news.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR