Knicks Edge Hornets in Preseason Opener with New Starters
On a brisk Sunday evening, basketball fans at Madison Square Garden were treated to an exciting preseason opener as the New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 111-109. This game not only marked the beginning of the 2023 preseason for the Knicks but also served as the unveiling of their revamped starting lineup, featuring two notable acquisitions: Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. Their debut was eagerly anticipated, and they did not disappoint.
Towns Makes His Mark
Karl-Anthony Towns wasted no time making an impression on Knicks fans. Known for his prowess beyond the arc, Towns showcased his adept shooting ability by sinking his first basket as a Knick—a clean 3-pointer. This debut performance was not just a flash in the pan; Towns has long been recognized for his 40% shooting accuracy from three-point range, a stat that underscores why the Knicks were keen to bring him into their fold.
Last season, Towns was part of a formidable duo with Rudy Gobert on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Together, they were instrumental in a lineup that boasted a plus-nine net rating and averaged an impressive 118 points per 100 possessions. Knicks fans hope Towns can replicate such effectiveness in New York, bringing a scoring boost and strategic dynamism to their game.
Mikal Bridges: A Dual Role
Alongside Towns, Mikal Bridges also made his debut in the Knicks' starting lineup. Bridges' versatility and adaptability are widely acknowledged in basketball circuits. During his time with the Brooklyn Nets last season, Bridges logged a 24% usage rate—reflecting his integral role in their offensive setup. Conversely, while playing for the Phoenix Suns, his usage rate was a more modest 15%. This variance highlights his ability to fit into different team dynamics, a quality that Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is likely to leverage this season.
Supporting Cast and Shooting Struggles
The Knicks' reimagined lineup was rounded out by Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby. Each member of this trio contributes a unique skill set aimed at complementing the new stars. Notably, Josh Hart will need to bolster his shooting consistency. Last season, Hart recorded a 31% success rate on 3-point attempts, a figure that dipped to 30% for shots taken from above the break. While these statistics are not glaringly detrimental, improving these metrics will be crucial as Hart seeks to solidify his role as a reliable shooter in the Knicks' arsenal.
A Promising Start
The narrow victory against the Hornets in this preseason opener is certainly encouraging for Knicks fans and players alike. The newly configured lineup showcased glimpses of its potential, with Towns and Bridges fitting seamlessly into the core strategy. However, like any preseason game, this matchup also served as a diagnostic tool, highlighting areas for fine-tuning and adjustment as the team gears up for the regular season.
With a blend of seasoned veterans, dynamic young talent, and a fresh start for newcomers like Towns and Bridges, the Knicks are poised on the cusp of an intriguing new chapter. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how this newly assembled unit will gel, adapt, and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. For now, though, New York has every reason to be optimistic about the road the Knicks are carving out for themselves.