5. Impressive D
After allowing the Bulls to score 104 points on 50.7 percent shooting in the season opener, the Knicks bounced back from a defensive standpoint. On paper, the Cavaliers were projected to be an offensive juggernaut and one game is certainly not an indication of how they will perform late in the season but the Knicks increased effort and execution on the defensive side of the floor on Thursday night. New York’s defenders fought over screens, searched for traps, and generated nine steals in the win. While LeBron James and his new crew may have succumbed to the pressure of a circus atmosphere at Quicken Loans Arena, the Knicks made them uncomfortable, limiting the Cavs to 45.7 percent shooting from the floor. In fact, James suffered through his second worst opening night output of his career with 17 points in the defeat.
4. Unsung Heroes For the second straight game, Shane Larkin received the starting nod at the point guard spot. Larkin should remain the point man for the next 2-3 weeks as Jose Calderon heals from a calf injury. The former Miami standout was a defensive menace with five steals. He also scored nine points and dished out five assists.
Jason Smith kept the Knicks offense afloat with midrange jumpers on the left side of the floor. When New York executed the Triangle, Smith found space in that area where he connected on all four of his attempts. Quincy Acy crushed a 1-handed putback jam late in the contest after tipping the ball off the glass in the midst of three Cavs. This bucket pushed the Knicks lead to three points as Cleveland was attempting a comeback with Carmelo Anthony on the bench. Acy finished with six offensive boards and 10 rebounds on the night.
3. Bold Moves
Derek Fisher adjusted his starting lineup from opening night to counter the Cavs mobile frontline. Acy replaced Amar’e Stoudemire at the 4, which allowed Fisher to create more offensive firepower with the second unit. Additionally, Fisher played Travis Wear 13 minutes, even placing him on James in key moments. The adjustments showed Fisher’s ability to mix and match his lineup to the opponent pre-game and in-game. Fisher also displayed confidence in utilizing unorthodox lineups in similar fashion to his mentor, Phil Jackson.
2. Weathering The Storm
The scene in Cleveland mirrored a Game 7 in the NBA Finals on Thursday night. The folks in Northeast Ohio packed the streets, watched a pre-game concert from Kendrick Lamar, and welcomed back their prodigal son. After falling behind by 11 points early in the second quarter, the Knicks stormed back to take a 42-40 lead just before the half. From that point forward, New York seemed in control of the game and staved off every run from the home squad with timely buckets in a hostile environment.
1. Melo Moments
Anthony crashed The King’s homecoming party by delivering a superstar performance on the road. The numbers that won’t receive much attention are the team-leading 36 passes and six assists. New York’s leading scorer also nailed 52.9 percent of his shots from the floor, 50 percent behind the arc, and finished with an offensive rating of 112.2. At times last season, Anthony seemed sluggish down the stretch but on Thursday night, the All-Star dropped nine points in a little over six minutes in the fourth quarter. The key moment for Anthony and the Knicks occurred with 25 seconds on the game clock when he sunk a 17-footer over the outstretched arms of James to seal the win for New York.