KP, Knicks Handle Grizzlies In Home Opener (Highlights)
Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin (1) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Porzingis flashed his NBA top five potential while leading his New York Knicks to the comfortable win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

  • New York Knicks 111 (1-1)
  • Memphis Grizzlies 104 (1-1)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

knicks_150Multiple areas of the New York Knicks came to play in their home-opening victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. Areas that not only cruised to a win, but have fans and everybody within the organization excited for the future.

Kristaps Porzingis flashed NBA top five potential in scoring 21 points on an efficient 7-of-11 from the floor. His grace on the hardwood matched the energy from the Madison Square Garden faithful:

New York led by as many as 18 points in the second quarter, only to see the hard-fighting Grizz cut the score to eight at halftime. Memphis clawed back into the game in the third, trailing by as few as two points, but Carmelo Anthony and the Knickerbockers largened the gap in the final frame, outscoring the Marc Gasol-led squad 29-27.

Derrick Rose showcased vintage D-Rose. His stat-line of 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals were nothing in comparison to the highlights he provided that suggest his MVP-type explosion is back:

The final storyline came in the form of Hell’s Kitchen’s own Joakim Noah. Noah demonstrated pretty passing (seven assists), tough rebounding (10 rebounds), and efficient scoring (six points, 2-2). More importantly, he was the heart of the squad. Anytime a burst of energy was needed or a bolt of lightning needed to circulated through the building, Noah was there in full force.

The Garden crowd was appreciative in many ways, chanting, “Noah, Noah, Noah,” on a couple of occasions.

Carmelo Anthony struggled from the floor only connecting on 5-of-15 for 20 points. Courtney Lee added 16 points.

If it hadn’t been for porous free throw shooting in the first half, New York would have coasted the rest of the night. Though outplayed, Memphis continued to hang around. After a Gasol three-pointer with a minute and change remaining in regulation, the Knicks only led by five points.

In the end, Jeff Hornacek‘s squad relied on over 50 percent shooting from the floor to overcome the opposition (42-76, 52.6 percent). Memphis shot just 43 percent. Gasol led the way for Memphis with 20 points.

Next up for the Knicks will be the Pistons in Detroit on Tuesday night.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com