Today's Matchup: New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Where: Thomas and Mack Center
TV: MSG Network (8:30 p.m. ET)
Game Notes
After an opening-game victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Derek Fisher's squad squares off against a Lakers team that is also packed with lottery-pick talent, including No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell, last year's No. 7 overall pick Julius Randle and All-Rookie selection Jordan Clarkson. With Los Angeles' rabid fanbase just a short drive away from Vegas and the Knicks faithful always well-represented in the crowd, expect the buzz in Thomas and Mack Center to be significant.
New York showed a lot of promise in Saturday's win, combining crisp Triangle execution and stingy defense to battle back and seal the win. Second-year forward Cleanthony Early paced the team in scoring with 18 points and Kristaps Porzingis flashed his immense potential, scoring 12 points in just over 18 minutes of play to go with two blocked shots. The No. 4 overall pick used his length to his advantage on the defensive end and displayed the soft shooting touch that made the Knicks covet him in the draft.
Fellow 1st rounder Jerian Grant was in attack mode all game, getting to the line 10 times and missing only one free throw attempt. Strong guard play between Grant and Langston Galloway helped the Knicks overcome limited practice time together and allowed them to create quality scoring opportunities in the open court and in late-clock situations.
All eyes will be on this star-studded matchup, so it should be a good test for the young Knicks to see how they respond.