More of the same on defense spoiled an encouraging effort on offense in the preseason opener from the New York Knicks vs. the Nets.
The New York Knicks looked like a completely different team on offense without Carmelo Anthony. On defense, it was more of the same and that’s why they lost. To the Nets of all teams.The ball was moving and the Knicks were running Jeff Hornacek’s up-tempo offense well. They dropped 107 points on the Nets but gave up 115. New York may not have a problem scoring this year, but defense is still going to be an issue.
Brooklyn’s 16 three-pointers on 32 attempts were the difference in this game. When a team is that hot from downtown it’s tough to beat them.
Kristaps Porzingis put up 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting in 22 minutes.
Tim Hardaway Jr. led the team in scoring with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting in 25 minutes.
Frank Ntilikina struggled with his shot—1-of-7 from the field—in his long-awaited debut but lived up to the hype with his defense. He also had three assists and ran the pick-and-roll very well. The rookie played 18 minutes in his first NBA action.
Enes Kanter was too much for the Nets inside. He made 4-of-8 shots for 17 points and grabbed three rebounds.
For Brooklyn, it was the D’Angelo Russell show. Their new point guard dropped 19 points in 20 minutes on 7-of-14 shooting.