New York Knicks Takeaways From Opening Night Victory Over Milwaukee Bucks

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

(13) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks guard

(21) during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks offense was outstanding tonight, which is evident from the 122 points they scored. It is the most points in a season opener for the Knicks in the past 21 years, and the most since 1990. They got off to a slow start but quickly picked things up against a Bucks team that didn’t come fully ready to play.

The Knicks would have seven players finish the team with double-digit points, as it was a true full team effort to get the win tonight. They made 42-of-93 (45.2 percent) overall from the field and 9-of-23 (39.1 percent) from deep. Langston Galloway led the way from beyond the arc, making 4-of-5 as the only Knick with multiple makes from deep. They had 24 assists on the night, which is a strong number as it means they assisted on over half of their makes in the game.

Also encouraging was the amount of free throws the Knicks took. In recent seasons, the Knicks have been unable to get to the line for easy points, having to battle and scrap for points. Against the Bucks, they got out in transition and to the foul line for easy points. They made 29-of-35 (82.9 percent), led by 9-of-12 from Kristaps Porzingis. They added 19 points on fast break, something we rarely saw last season.

What might be most encouraging about the scoring outburst tonight was that so many people picked up the slack, and Carmelo Anthony didn’t have a great game. Anthony shot only 4-of-16 from the field for 11 points, tied for fifth most on the team. Everyone scored who checked into the game tonight, and everyone but Cleanthony Early played at least 18 minutes in the game.

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