Memphis Grizzlies vs New York Knicks Recap, Highlights, Finale Score, and More

The New York Knicks sent the fans at Madison Square Garden home happy as they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

The New York Knicks were able to pick up a victory in their home opener against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a solid bounce back for the Knicks, who were blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers opening night.

With the victory, the Knicks have evened up their record on the season to 1-1. That is the same record that the Grizzlies have, as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves on opening night.

It was a much more complete effort from the Knicks tonight, who looked like a more cohesive unit. There is still work to be done, but they are definitely heading in the right direction. The Knicks had it going offensively, as they shot 52.6 percent from the field.

Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 21 points. He also added five rebounds and two assists with zero turnovers. Porzingis did struggle with fouls tonight, as did many players in the game.

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The Knicks committed 25 fouls tonight while the Grizzlies committed 30. Grizzlies rookie head coach David Fizedale went with the hack-a-strategy in the fourth quarter with about four minutes left in the game. It didn’t work out as well as he had hoped, as he fouled a multitude of players, even ones that shoot free throws well.

On the evening, the Knicks shot an underwhelming 25-of-39 (64.1 percent) from the line. It almost cost them the game, as the Grizzlies shot 21-of-26 (80.8 percent) to almost make up the difference.

The Knicks centers let them down at the line tonight. Kyle O’Quinn made 5-of-7, but Joakim Noah was only 2-of-6 and Willy Hernangomez was 0-for-2. It was the only blemish on the night for Noah, who had an outstanding Madison Square Garden debut.

Three Stars

C Joakim Noah, Knicks — What a debut it was for Noah. He got the crowd into a frenzy on multiple occasions as his energy was infectious for everyone in the arena. He looked like he still has to get his wind, but he was effective while on the court tonight. He finished with six points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and one block before fouling out.

PG Derrick Rose, Knicks — Rose is still acclimating himself to the new system and teammates but showed up in the fourth quarter. Two of his six baskets came in the last stanza, as he showed that he still has something left in the tank. He showed an array of floaters and finishes around the basket that have Knicks fans excited about his season-long outlook.

SG Courtney Lee, Knicks — Lee had a disastrous debut on opening night. He didn’t score, missing all five of his shot attempts. That wouldn’t happen tonight, as Lee got off to a much better start. He made his four shots of the game and finished the night with 16 points. He also provided solid defense on the other end of the court as well.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/792522784194854912

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Next Game

The Knicks will head back on the road to take on the Detroit Pistons Tuesday night. The Grizzlies will return home tomorrow night to face the Washington Wizards to finish their back-to-back set.