Knicks 2016 Game Thread: OPENING DAY!!!

Mike Kurylo Game Thread

So here we go with a new season for our beloved New York Knicks. Most pundits have predicted a poor season for our ‘Bockers. However just about everyone agrees that this season can’t be worse than last year’s.

More importantly this year lends more hope to our downtrodden franchise. Most notably is the start of the career of Kristaps Porzingis. New Yorkers are hoping the fourth overall pick has a long bright future ahead of him. Today we’ll get a glimpse of his, and perhaps our, future. Should he become a player worthy of such a high pick, the Knicks are almost certain to succeed during his tenure here.

But it doesn’t stop at Kristaps. Fellow rookie Jerian Grant also begins his journey in the NBA. While his ceiling isn’t as tall, if Grant can become a productive starter, he would give the Knicks two young players to build around. Meanwhile undrafted Langston Galloway returns for his second season, after earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team.

Brook Lopez gives the team a defensive minded center, the hallmark of every good Knicks team. Alongside stat-friendly players Kyle O’Quinn and Lou Amundson, New York could have a formidable interior defense. And veterans Jose Calderon and Aaron Affalo should provide more stability at the guard positions.

There are a lot of players to like on this roster, which makes this team different from most that I’ve covered in the KnickerBlogger era. Even if New York fails to win half their games, there should be enough happiness to go around for Knick fans.

And whether you’re an optimist, realist, or pessimist, we all stand together when our boys don the orange & blue. LET’S GO KNICKS!

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Mike Kurylo

Mike Kurylo is the founder and editor of KnickerBlogger.net. His book on the 2012 Knicks, "We’ll Always Have Linsanity," is on sale now. Follow him on twitter (@KnickerBlogger).

216 thoughts to “Knicks 2016 Game Thread: OPENING DAY!!!”

  1. Oh good, I was hoping you were going to do the opening post! Let’s go, Knicks!! What a great time to have the other team’s star player serving a one-game suspension! This is a very winnable game! Let’s hope that they get it done. But Milwaukee is still tough even without the Greek Freak, so it won’t be a pushover (hence them being five point favorites – but five point favorites at home is a big sign that Vegas thinks that the Knicks can win this one).

  2. I don’t feel like the season has started until Cronin is doing gamethreads midway through the second quarter with the Knicks down 15

  4. I understood the placeholder theory a lot more during preseason than I do in the regular season, but if it is just for a game or two, I guess I still sort of get it. Better to keep everyone on point even if it costs you a game or two in the short term.

  5. No OJ Mayo (always gives Knicks fits), Giannis suspended, and Parker not ready for opener. No way Knicks should lose this game.

    Like the decision to start Sasha only because I would’ve hated to see Fisher breakup Grant-Galloway. Also, puts another shooter on the court with Melo. Defensively, the starting lineup is going to have to really rely on communication and moving as one out there. If they can contest and rebound consistently, that’s all you’re looking for out of that group.

    Go Knicks!

  12. So not one of you assholes got me a birthday present?

    It was either get you a present or buy a game-used (the term “used” is used sparingly) Lance Thomas jersey to wear while watching the Knicks play and I just had to go with my boy Lance.

  13. So not one of you assholes got me a birthday present?

    I talked to NBA League Pass last season and they promised to fix their UI so it’s not a total waste of $200. You’re welcome.

  15. Sasha starting: energy, experience, ability to defend three positions as per the new reporters interview with Fisher pregame.

  17. My League Pass is still screwed up. Works on my Android tablet, but will NOT on computer (“technical difficulties”) or TV via Roku app (“you are not authorized…). What BS.

  19. Fisher is reminding me more and more of Woodson. And that saddens me.

    The parallels are seriously eerie.

  20. And y’all said Cole was an ugly hooker

    I’m sure he would look much better in some heels and a short skirt.

    Oh, you meant his hook shot.

  21. I am not liking the “Let the Bucks brick bad shots just so Monroe can easily collect the rebound and score” strategy.

  24. This backcourt is quite….experienced? Someone help me come up with a positive word to describe it!

  27. I’ve got a feeling this is how a lot of games are going to start this year. Even when Affalo comes back, as he’s not exactly fleet of foot any longer.

  29. I’ve got a feeling this is how a lot of games are going to start this year. Even when Affalo comes back, as he’s not exactly fleet of foot any longer.

    I think your feeling is likely correct, although come on, even a mediocre Afflalo would be an improvement on this. But Sasha has energy, so he has that going for him!

  30. I’m calling it. Fisher’s “the East is big” line is going to be something along the lines of “the East is experienced, man.”

    Though, if he gives the rooks some burn (without calling them “rooks” all season), I’ll be happy. This season is really more about them than anyone else.

  31. How in the world did Shannon Brown not make this roster? He’s even more experienced than Sasha!

  34. I am loving Milwaukee’s asinine “take ugly jumpers” strategy. It’s the only thing keeping the Knicks in this game.

  35. Like there – they missed twice at the basket, but they got two offensive boards. It seems obvious that that is the way to attack the Knicks.

  39. Kidd’s offensive strategy for this game is offensive so far. But I am loving it for the Knicks. They’re keeping it close when Milwaukee could be running them off the court.

  41. If Calderon can turn himself into Priggy Smalls v2.0 I’ll be happy. Steady hand directing the offense, solid 3-point shooting, and maybe some pesky and clever defense.

  47. The Knicks are in really good shape right now, considering how the game could have gone.

  50. Why would he learn how to play defense now?

    Really, what I was getting at was Pablo’s penchant for staying back and picking off the inbound pass after a made basket. Not, like, actual defense all game. Just a fun steal or two every once-in-a-while.

  53. Derrick Williams taking shots at the hoop and from 3 is fine, but he needs to knock out the ft line turnaround fadeaways

  57. Lance Thomas getting playing time over Cleanthony is not good. Not that Early is some sleeping world beater, but if you’re going for youth and athleticism on the 2nd unit, why throw out old man Thomas? I mean, unless he’s going to power through a game with a broken foot, I don’t want any Thomas’ on the floor over the age of 25.

  59. Derrick Williams taking shots at the hoop and from 3 is fine, but he needs to knock out the ft line turnaround fadeaways

    That seems to be all that Middleton is shooting this game. Weird turnaround jumpers.

  72. Excellent end to the first quarter. Man, how long do you stick with the starting backcourt when Galloway and Grant are better without even being all that great themselves.

  74. Man, how long do you stick with the starting backcourt when Galloway and Grant are better without even being all that great themselves.

    Hopefully, one game.

  75. The mirage of DWill’s skills refusing to dissolve in the harsh light of 8 regular season minutes! How long can it last?

  76. calderon and sasha combining for 0
    and DWill looks good based on the box score.
    It is hard to “watch’ the game via ESPN Box score.

    I am just happy its a brand new season and yeah I believe this knicks team will make the playoffs ala
    Denver during melo early years :D

  82. There you have it ladies and gentlemen. O’Quin>Monroe. We won the off-season. Get it in the Post.

  85. When lance Thomas burns you on an offensive play, you gotta reevaluate every life choice that brought you to that moment

  90. Me: *stomping my feet* Oh my gawd..why is Lance Thomas in the game right now?! The mf can’t dribble, can’t shoot! He can’t do shit!

    *Lance Thomas makes a nice 1 on 1 move*
    Me: *humbly* Oh shit…
    My Wife: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! And he just scored too!

  92. Can Fisher and Kidd just suit up at the half? They might be the best 1’s on their respective teams.

  96. No, I take that last statement back:

    Kyle O’Quinn vs Kristaps Porzingis is the new Gallo vs Wilson Chandler.

  97. When Lance Thomas is chipping in, you know you are on one hell of a hot streak. I am loving it. They’re kicking their ass with their bench!

  104. You know, when he’s not playing next to Drummond, Monroe is pretty good at that whole rebounding thing.

  115. If D’Angelo Barksdale still wants to know where Wallace is at, he’s playing point for the Bucks right now.

  120. Hell of a first half! The Bucks (sans Monroe) looked like shit. They were just kicking their ass.

  121. Sasha reminded me of James White back on the last good Knicks team – how a good team overall can carry weak players.

  122. Watching the Was vs Orl game and it has been back and forth. The rookie Henzonja hits a big 3 late to give Orlando the lead again.

  123. The Bucks hit enough 3’s to stay in it. Let’s hope the Knicks have a good 2nd half and get the W.

  125. The entire half was energy and youth. Love the new direction. Hope melo gets it and feeds off it.

  128. Is it too early in the season to give D-Will the 6th Man of the Year award and Kyle O’Quinn Most Improved?

  129. Is it too early in the season to give D-Will the 6th Man of the Year award and Kyle O’Quinn Most Improved?

    Sorry, but I’ve already got Williams slotted for both awards. Perhaps they can share them. It’s a night for crazy!

  130. Is it too early in the season to give D-Will the 6th Man of the Year award and Kyle O’Quinn Most Improved?

    Sorry, but I’ve already got Williams slotted for both awards. Perhaps they can share them. It’s a night for crazy!

    IDK, has a player ever won 6th man and MVP in the same season?

  131. When’s the last time the Knicks scored 63 points in a half while shooting poorly? The pace they’re playing with is just night and day from last year. 7 steals and 5 blocks at the half is pretty much night and day from last years too.

  135. Marques Johnson is curiously knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all things Knicks. New look Bockers might be generating more buzz around the league than I realized.

  137. Watching the game with my two sons thnx to the free league pass preview! Lol
    KYLE OQUINN!!! I’m a huge fan already. Lets go Knicks… #2ndHalf

  142. For a rookie, Porzingis is pretty good at defending P&Rs. That last play was a good example, leading to the steal.

  143. What were the Bucks possibly thinking when they traded Brandon Knight for MCW? He is one steaming pile of hot garbage.

  150. How many of those you got DRed? You’ve got at least 81 more games left, so you might want to slow your roll.

  153. Next is Atlanta. Call me crazy but this Knicks team can be like the hawks last season.
    And this year hawks team feels like will not be in the playoffs.

  166. More like Hughes – cuz those back to back shots were poetry in motion from Langston! 3/3 from behind the arc is sweet!
    Anyone w/ ESPN insider access want to join a free fantasy league check out http://es.pn/1jSu8vY

  168. Man, if O’Quin could develop the ability to hit the rim from beyond the arc, he’ll be a solid player.

  170. john wall with 5 blks, E.Payton with almost a tripple double.
    Mudiay looks like lawson.
    And this bucks roster sucks.
    what happened to plumlee? i thought he is a ok player. We can do serafin to miles trade.
    I hope Kobe will be healthy this season and will play all the games for farewell purposes.
    What’s with Noah. Is he done? he is playing not like the old noah. the injuries are the only common to him

  181. It’s hard enjoying the Derrick Williams renaissance knowing that he will be gone next year if he’s good and that he’ll be back if he sucks.

  188. It’s hard enjoying the Derrick Williams renaissance knowing that he will be gone next year if he’s good and that he’ll be back if he sucks.

    We gotta live for today man. The last season that started like this was 2012.

  189. oh i see. if d.will continue to plays this good he should stay and not make ala jeremy lin move. i will be happy for an efficient 18 and 6/8 for him everynight.

  197. 1 down 16 to go!!! :)
    Great game by the 2nd unit (The Suicide Squad)
    Loving Oquinn’s rebounds and hard fouls, Sacha’s steals, Gallo jumpers, DWill’s everything…..and even LANCE THOMAS did a good job.

  199. It’s hard enjoying the Derrick Williams renaissance knowing that he will be gone next year if he’s good and that he’ll be back if he sucks.

    “We’ll always have Milwaukee.”

  201. Nice win! As someone already said, this reminds me a bit of the Cavs road win last year…

    The Bucks weren’t at full strength, but who cares? Any road win is a good win.

  202. One of my favorite things about today’s game (other than literally everyone playing well) was at the end of the game when Galloway stole the ball and had a pretty open fast break opportunity; Cleanthony, who wasn’t put in all game and had nothing on his stat sheet, was trailing behind him–Galloway has the open look but instead passes it to Cle so he can get on the board. Just a nice little bit of unselfishness and teamwork to see there: it was a good way to cap off the night.

  204. McCollum putting up 22 in the 1st against the Pelicans which matches what Curry did last night I think. Tough way to open the season.

  205. Great win, now let’s see how we do when we play against legit PG’s like Teague and Wall. Could be a bit of a reality check.

    But our bench is awesome, great to know we’ve got high energy guys to throw out there when the starters falter.

  208. Man I love the guys who want to point out how bad of a signing Derrik Williams was, because we gave him a player option…get over it guys! If Williams is that good why would he want to leave, and why would we want to let him to leave?? I would love to have this problem, because the solution would be to pay him…sounds simple to me.

  210. Mudiay came within 1 assist of a triple double

    Points, assists and turnovers is not what I anticipated

  211. Nobody cared when we weren’t at full strength last year. Besides, Afflalo and Seraphin were out.

    This was an excellent win. Grant and Porzingis showed that they can contribute right away. Galloway was awesome on both ends. Williams? Wow!Lance? Wow Wow!

    Great team chemistry.

  212. While he got lost a time or two KP had a very solid game on the defensive end. He’s going to change a ton of shots this year even if he does get bullied every now and then.

  213. I really don’t get the hand-wringing over the Williams contract. Why is anyone so sure that we could have signed him to a straight 2-year deal? My recollection is that no one here wanted to sign him at all, so if he plays like he did tonight, who cares?

  214. What were the Bucks possibly thinking when they traded Brandon Knight for MCW? He is one steaming pile of hot garbage.

    That Knight was going to get maxed out (which he was) and they preferred to extend MCW cheaper. It was a dumb decision.

  215. It’s hard enjoying the Derrick Williams renaissance knowing that he will be gone next year if he’s good and that he’ll be back if he sucks.

    In Game 1 of the season, I think you have to just enjoy the great game. Worry about the other stuff later.

  216. Ray Felton 18/6/4 +25
    Chris Paul 18/11/5 +15
    So close…I wonder who will come out on top on the all star balloting…

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