The New York Knicks won their season opener last night hosting the Milwaukee Bucks in the World’s Most Famous Arena. The Knicks led at halftime 56-31, only to see them squander the 25-point lead in the second half. It was not the prettiest of NBA games you will see, but a win is a win and the Knicks are happy to start their season off on the right foot.
Tyson Chandler came up huge in the 4th quarter, bailing the Knicks out of what would have been a terrible loss. Chandler finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 blocks, none bigger than the one on Nate Walter’s with 33 seconds left. Carmelo Anthony did not play his most efficient game, however he did help the Knicks climb out of a 1-point deficit with just under 3 minutes remaining. Melo went 7-for-16 in the field finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
This was not the start the Knicks were looking for, especially after blowing another big lead to the Charlotte Bobcats in their final preseason game. After the Bobcats game, Mike Woodson told reporters that he was glad that game didn’t count. After Wednesday night’s season opener, you could see a look of relief on his face after the Knicks held on to get ‘W’ number 1 on the year. On another note, Andrea Bargnani continues to struggle, missing all three of his 3-point attempts and finishing with 6 points and 3 turnovers. The Bargnani trade was supposed to spread the floor for Melo and make his scoring opportunities easier. Bargnani struggled throughout the preseason, which resulted in him losing his starting role. He must step his game up in order for the Knicks to make a serious run at the Larry O’Brien Trophy come June.
Up next for the Knicks is a trip to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Halloween. Tip-off starts at 8:00pm EST and will be broadcast on TNT.
Justin Lerner: PureSportsNY