New York Knicks Takeaways From Opening Night Victory Over Milwaukee Bucks

Oct 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks guard

(13) dives for the loose ball during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks had a magnificent start to their 2015-16 season. They opened it up with a convincing win over the Milwaukee Bucks, blowing them out 122-97. It was a surprise to many people, as the Knicks entered the game as five point underdogs, but easily covered.

It was a total team effort from the Knicks, who got off to a slow start but quickly picked things up once they started integrating the bench players into the game. The Bucks actually grabbed an early lead with an 8-0 run, to go up 11-4. But after that the Knicks were able to gain control courtesy of the bench. The Knicks would have a 27-23 lead at the end of the first quarter, and never looked back after that.

This was a sight for sore eyes for anyone who watched the Knicks last season, as this looks like a totally different team. Yes they did have a roster overhaul, but there looks to be a different energy and confidence to this team as they kept the pedal to the metal and never really allowed the Bucks to get back into the game. The Knicks lead never dipped into single digits in the second half, as the closest the Bucks got was 11 points, and the Knicks only saw the lead grow as the half wore on.

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Both teams were without some key pieces tonight, as the Knicks were without Arron Afflalo, Kevin Seraphin and Lou Amundson, while the Bucks missed O.J. Mayo, Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Antetokounmpo is a rising star, it is hard to imagine that he would have made up as big a difference that the Bucks faced, as the Knicks thoroughly beat the Bucks after the first couple minutes of the game.

This is an encouraging start for the Knicks, who will have a very happy plane ride back to New York. They will not have much time to celebrate though, as they will have a quick turnaround with their home opener tomorrow night against the Atlanta Hawks. That will be another test for the Knicks, who open the season with their eight of their first 10 games against playoff teams from last season.

Before we get to that game, let’s review the Knicks opening night victory; check out our takeaways from the Knicks blowout victory over the Bucks.

Next: Everyone Gets Involved Offensively