• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – The New York Knicks hosted the Memphis Grizzlies in their home opener on Saturday night. The excitement and anticipation level to see the new-look Knicks, was high in Madison Square Garden. New York was looking to rebound back from a disappointing, 117-88 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks did just that Saturday night, by taking care of the Grizzlies, 111-104. Here are five of the biggest takeaways from the Knicks win over Memphis.

5) Efficient Knicks!

  • The Knicks did a great job with their shot selection Saturday night. Shot selection has been an area of concern, especially when a play breaks down. New York stayed composed against Memphis, and was patient in offensive sets. The Knicks shot 52.6% (40-76) from the field, and had 24 team assists.
  • Saturday night, the Knicks shot considerably better than they did in their season opener against the Cavaliers (36.8%)

4) How’s your Starting Five?

(Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac) Anthony played a huge part in the Knicks' win Saturday.
(Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac) Anthony played a huge part in the Knicks’ win Saturday.
  • New York had four out of five of their starters score in double figures. The only starter not to score in double figures was Joakim Noah.
    • Noah made up for the scoring by filling out the rest of the stat sheet. The nine year veteran had ten rebounds, seven assists and a block.
  • The Knicks were led by Carmelo Anthony (20 points) and Kristaps Porzingis (21 points). Both players paced the Knick scoring attack, and are transitioning well to playing well with New York newcomers.

3) Interior scoring crucial

  • The Knicks outscored the Grizzlies, 54-44 with points in the paint. Success is directly linked to controlling the interior scoring. New York all night long made a concerted effort towards attacking the rim. This is key considering New York in the past has loved to fall in love with the jumper.
    • The Knicks did a great job getting to the free throw line (25-39), but didn’t cash in like they should have. Shooting 64% from the free throw line is an easy way to get beat.

2) First game jitters …

(Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports) Lee did not have another scoreless performance Saturday.
(Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports) Lee did not have another scoreless performance Saturday.
  • Courtney Lee was a big free agency signing for the Knicks this offseason. Lee disappointed in his season opener, by not even scoring a single point.
  • Against the Cavaliers, Lee attempted just five shots in total. Against the Grizzlies, Lee was much more aggressive offensively. Lee finished with 16 points on 6 of 11 shooting.
    • Lee is known for being a decent three point threat, and Saturday night Lee made two from downtown.

1) Share the spotlight, no problem!

  • Anthony was quoted saying, “We know that the ball doesn’t have to be in my hand every single time down the court for us to make things happen. There will come a time where that has to happen, but right now, we’re just trying to get comfortable with one another and play off of each other and guys do what they do best.”
  • There were concerns as to how Anthony would adjust to sharing the scoring with the new additions, For right now, Anthony is saying and doing all the right things.

Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732

(Featured Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)

 

By Barry Holmes

Graduate of Millersville University, with a BS in Communications focused in Broadcast. Senior Writer & Social Media Manager for PureSportsNY.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.