Knicks 2015-16 Game Thread: Knicks vs. Hawks

Sorry, folks, there was a bit of confusion. One of our newest writers, Heather Rose, will be handling the recap of the game tonight, but I thought that that meant that she would be starting the game thread, as well. My mistake.

Welcome to the Knicks’ home opener, as the Knicks try to run the Hawks out of the Garden. The Hawks looked sluggish in a Game 1 loss to the Pistons. Can the Knicks follow up yesterday’s amazing blowout victory with another win over a playoff team from last year? Let’s hope so!

Let’s go Knicks!

We join the game in progress as the Knicks hold a 6-5 lead in the first…

Game 1 Notes: Knicks 122 Bucks 97

Below are my notes from last night’s game.

National Anthem:
So my building was sold again this year, which means I have to go through the process of training a new set of owners how appartments need heat. This is seriously affecting my drink choices. I’ve been home all day, and I’m freezing, so I’m thinking winter time beverages. In the fridge is some heavy cream, so I’m going with a Brandy Alexander. She usually doesn’t make an appearance until Christmas, but I’m wearing a sweatshirt right now.

Introductions:
CHRIS COPELAND!

Wow I love how folksy the Bucks owner is. Somebody tell me that “speech” to the crowd is somewhere on YouTube.

1Q
Porzingis loses a rebound. Someone make this kid carry around a pumpkin to build up those wrists & fingers. It’s October, so no one will notice.

Bucks run a pick & roll. Calderon desides to admire the bright lights for a few minutes as Milwaukee plays basketball. Bucks first guy misses, but the second makes the basket. Not a good start.

Kristaps shows some nice defense on a Copeland drive (was it a block). His length will be causing problems on the defensive end.

Calderon passes it directly to the Bucks. And then follows it up by letting them have an easy bucket off another pick. He’s looking like the 19th pick in the draft.

Wow and on the next play Michael Carter-Williams beats Jose on a back door alley-oop. If I’m coach, I’m putting in Galloway or Grant. 11-4 Bucks, Knicks time out.

Carmelo scores on a drive. He might as well, no one else is doing anything.

Porzingis has missed 3 shots I think. On this last one, Copeland just put a hand in his face. I’m glad I took the under with regards to his true shooting percentage.

O’Quinn & Williams are in, along with Vujacic, Galloway, and Melo.

Ooooh I just came up with a nickname for O’Quinn: Oaq.

I was refreshing my drink (and not watching) when Jerian Grant scores. Promise to catch the next one.

Derrick Williams just split two defenders, and had Oaq wide open under the hoop. He keeps the ball and gets fouled instead. Assists are meaningless to this man.

On the Bucks feed, I see William Shatner doing a commercial for a local law firm. Nice owner? William Shatner endorcing local business? Where is this magical place called Milwaukee?

We’re not even 12 minutes into the new season, and I know who Derrick Williams is. He’s the guy at your local court who can score, but will shoot the ball anytime it hits his paws.

He’s taken two shots while I wrote those sentences about him.

OK the color guy on the Bucks telecast just mentioned “analytics” about Williams getting to the free throw line. I’m getting the suitcases out.

Jerian Grant with a nice drive & scoop layup to score. Told you I’d catch the next one.

Knicks up 27-23.

2Q
Derrick Williams scores again to start the quarter. He’s definitely fun to watch so far.

Oaq on Monroe with a nice defensive stop (blocked shot?). Looks like he can defend against centers which is a good thing.

Bucks telecast is (partially) sponsored by Wendys. I’m fucking there! (Side note: is their chili the healthiest thing you can get in any fast food restaurant?)

Attempted alley-oop to Porzingis. Not even close. Put that back in the binder until next year.

On the other end his length is still causing problems. On this possession it was the cause of a back court.

Kristaps drives baseline and scores off the glass.

Knicks up 49-34, and Derrick Williams has 15 points.

Porzingis with a block! What if he’s half of Dirk’s offense, but with a strong defensive game?

Michael Carter-Williams now torches Vujacic for an easy basket. Guards wanted, non-defenders need not apply.

Porzingis is the trailer on a Galloway breakaway. Takes three shots and gets fouled on the last one.

Then Kristaps gets a steal, but Vuajic underthrows the alley-oop. Next year, guys. Next year.

Zinger again at the line for being fouled on the break.

Oaq scores from the blocks with 3 on him. Where were you in 1993?

Porzingis again at the line. Maybe my pre-season concerns were unfounded.

Oaq just thwacked Bayless on a fast break drive that looked like something the Iron Sheik would have pulled. The Buck announcers say he reminds them of … Charles Oakley. How much are plane tickets?

Porzingis gets it on the low blocks. He’s a bit out of control, but gets bailed out by a Milwaukee foul. Oh and he’s at the line again!

HALFTIME
Knicks winning 63-51. I can see the MSG cast interviewing Derrick Williams in the background.

3Q
Switched to the Knicks’ feed. I have to grab the mute on my tv remote and inch up on the volume. We New Yorkers are a loud people.

Anthony knocks down a three. He’s been quiet for Melo thus far.

Anthony takes 2 more shots. They’re obviously trying to get him into the game more.

The Knicks are up 70-55. Did I drink that much?

Melo comes up gimpy on a contact play. My heart just skipped a beat. But Anthony stays in the game and appears OK.

Kristaps on the half court trap is like having a windmill come to life and attack you. His presence helps force an easy steal for Sasha, and an easy transition score.

On the next play Porzingis on Copeland and Chris dribbles the ball out of bounds. Zinger gets the ball in the post and pitches it out for a three. Then on the next Knick possession, he gets the ball in transition and scores again. Here is your window to the future.

After a pair of Lopez free throws, they’re up by 20. Maybe the Brandy Alexander is on time, because Christmas has come early!

Porzingis gets the ball wide open at the top and nails a three!

With 4:35 left, Derrick Williams comes back into the game for the first time. Oaq enters as well. And before I can finish that, DW launches and misses a three.

Monroe stays in the game and tries to cut the lead. But Galloway hits a pair of threes, and Williams draws a foul to keep the Knick afloat.

O’Quinn attempts a three pointer with the shot clock expiring. It came about as close to the rim as if I had shot it.

4Q
90-73, Knicks. I still need some time to process this.

Williams starts it off with a slam. Then goes coast to coast to draw a foul on Copeland. He. Doesn’t. Pass. Ever.

Williams takes another shot. I’m curious what his usage will be when the dust settles.

After a Galloway three, Derrick Williams with a blind side block. New York up 98-79 with just under 9 minutes to go. I don’t think we’ll see the starters again…

Nope I’m wrong. They’re back in with the lead cut to 15. They are Melo, Vujacic, and Porzingis. No Rolo.

Williams cares not if starters are in or not, and takes (and makes) another 3.

Kristaps can’t secure another defensive rebound. Pumpkin buddy. Pumpkin.

Ok now it’s an 18 point lead with 4:41 to go. Why is Carmelo in the game in the first of back-back games? Fisher?!?!

Porzingis holds his ground against Monroe and forces a miss. I think I just noticed he’s playing center. But one thing I’ve kept my eyes on: Porzingis’ is solid defensively when he stays on his feet.

It’s a 17 point lead with 3:02 to go. Why is Carmelo Anthony in? This is the only thing I can think about it. Why???

And Melo now comes out. :-/

The real basketball in this game is over…

Knicks Morning News (2015.10.29)

  • [ESPN.com – New York Knicks] Melo on Kristaps Porzingis debut: 'You couldn't ask for more than that' (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 01:57:26 EST)

    Melo on Kristaps Porzingis debut: 'You couldn't ask for more than that'

  • [New York Post] Kristaps Porzingis shows tough streak in bang-up Knicks debut (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 01:06:13 -0400)

    MILWAUKEE — Kristaps Porzingis, the 7-foot-3 rookie, looked shaky at the beginning of Wednesday's season opener and, like the rest of the Knicks, he got better as the game wore on. On Porzingis' most symbolic moment, Langston Galloway missed a fast-break layup. Porzingis grabbed two follows while getting harassed. But he pulled the ball down…

  • [New York Post] Knicks rout shows full potential of a team in Derek Fisher’s image (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:54:01 -0400)

    MILWAUKEE — Hours before tipoff of the Knicks' season opener against the Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, coach Derek Fisher was talking about the excitement of building a foundation for becoming a good team, not just for this season, but for years to come. When asked by The Post what that foundation must…

  • [New York Times] Wolves Edge Lakers 112-111 in First Game Since Flip’s Death (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 06:24:35 GMT)

    With heavy hearts and occupied minds, the Minnesota Timberwolves hung on to win one for Flip.

  • [New York Times] 8 Dallas Players Reach Double Figures, Mavs Rout Suns 111-95 (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 05:18:54 GMT)

    Raymond Felton scored 18 points to lead eight Dallas players in double figures and the Mavericks rolled past the Phoenix Suns 111-95 on Wednesday night in the teams’ season opener.

  • [New York Times] McCollum Scores 37 as Blazers Down Pelicans 112-94 (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 04:58:03 GMT)

    CJ McCollum scored a career-high 37 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Portland Trail Blazers opened the season with a 112-94 victory over the depleted New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

  • [New York Times] Griffin Leads Clippers Past Kings 111-104 in Opener (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 04:54:45 GMT)

    Blake Griffin scored 33 points and Paul Pierce endeared himself to his new teammates by putting Los Angeles ahead for good with a late jumper in the Clippers’ 111-104 season-opening victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

  • [New York Times] Sports Briefing | Pro Basketball: Donovan Wins in Debut (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 04:29:37 GMT)

    Russell Westbrook had 33 points and 10 assists on Wednesday night to help Billy Donovan win his N.B.A. coaching debut as the host Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs, 112-106.

  • [New York Times] Butler Carries Bulls Past Nets (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 04:00:28 GMT)

    Chicago guard Jimmy Butler helped the Bulls withstand some shaky moments by scoring 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter during a wire-to-wire 115-100 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

  • [New York Times] Pistons Top Jazz 92-87, Improve to 2-0 on Season (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 03:57:49 GMT)

    The Detroit Pistons are two games over .500 for the first time in more than six years, and the most encouraging sign may be Andre Drummond’s free throws.

  • [New York Times] Late Basket From Wall Rallies Wizards Over Magic 88-87 (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 03:49:07 GMT)

    The Washington Wizards spent the preseason getting a feel for the new high-scoring, breakneck pace on offense that coach Randy Wittman wants to be their calling card.

  • [New York Times] Knicks 122, Bucks 97: New-Look Knicks Open Season With a Win. Yes, a Win. (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 03:05:40 GMT)

    The Knicks defended, chased rebounds and raced end to end for layups in a lopsided victory over the Bucks.

  • [New York Times] Donovan Wins NBA Coaching Debut, Thunder Beat Spurs 112-106 (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:57:58 GMT)

    Russell Westbrook had 33 points and 10 assists to help Billy Donovan win his NBA coaching debut as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 112-106 on Wednesday night.

  • [New York Times] Bulls 115, Nets 100: High Points Prove Fleeting as Nets Begin With a Loss to the Bulls (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:55:20 GMT)

    The Nets, who are facing low expectations this season, were led by Brook Lopez’s game-high 26 points at Barclays Center.

  • [New York Times] Williams Scores 24, Knicks Beat Bucks 122-97 in Opener (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:54:51 GMT)

    Derrick Williams scored 24 points, 20-year-old Kristaps Porzingis had 16 in his NBA debut, and the New York Knicks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 122-97 on Wednesday night in the season opener for each team.

  • [New York Times] Love Leads Cavaliers Past Grizzlies 106-76 (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:51:51 GMT)

    Kevin Love had 17 points and 13 rebounds, Richard Jefferson had 14 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers built a big early advantage and wrecked the Memphis Grizzlies’ season opener with a 106-76 victory Wednesday night.

  • [New York Times] Gallinari’s 23 Points Leads Nuggets Over Rockets 105-85 (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:42:54 GMT)

    Danilo Gallinari scored 23 points and the Denver Nuggets never trailed in a 105-85 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.

  • [New York Times] DeRozan Scores 25, Lowry Has 23, Raptors Beat Pacers 106-99 (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:33:41 GMT)

    Jonas Valanciunas had 21 points and 15 rebounds, DeMar DeRozan scored 25 and the Toronto Raptors beat the Indiana Pacers 106-99 on Wednesday on opening night for each team.

  • [New York Times] Timberwolves Unveil Shooting Shirts Dedicated to Flip (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:30:55 GMT)

    Three days after losing their leader to cancer, the Minnesota Timberwolves are making sure everyone knows that Flip Saunders is still with them.

  • [New York Times] Bosh Returns, Heat Top Hornets 104-94 in Season Opener (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:28:00 GMT)

    Throughout the preseason, the Miami Heat kept being questioned about whether they had enough 3-point shooting.

  • [New York Times] Bulls Beat Nets 115-100 for 2-0 Start (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:18:45 GMT)

    Jimmy Butler scored 24 points, Nikola Mirotic had 18 and the Chicago Bulls won for the second time in two nights to open the season, beating the Brooklyn Nets 115-100 on Wednesday night.

  • [New York Times] Thomas Leads Celtics to 112-95 Season-Opening Win Over 76ers (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:15:40 GMT)

    Isaiah Thomas had 27 points and seven assists, and the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-95 on Wednesday night in the season opener for each team.

  • [New York Daily News] Knicks rout Bucks in opener, Kristaps Porzingis solid debut (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 06:17:33 GMT)

    Even without much help from Carmelo Anthony, Phil Jackson’s revamped roster and prized rookie polished off their first opponent.

  • [New York Daily News] Isola: Looks like Phil Jackson may have gotten it right (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 04:56:27 GMT)

    Phil Jackson’s aching hips, knees and ego haven’t felt this good in months.

  • [New York Daily News] Greg Monroe, agent explain why he chose Bucks over Knicks (Thu, 29 Oct 2015 04:22:23 GMT)

    When the clock started on free agency over the summer, the first sitdown for Greg Monroe was with Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher.