Five Takeaways From First Knicks’ Preseason Game

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kristaps Porzingis (SPN) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday night, the New York Knicks had their first preseason action, although it was against a non-NBA team in Bauru. Bauru hanged in tough early with the Knicks but New York would eventually go on to defeat Bauru 100-81.

Here are five takeaways from New York’s first preseason game, albeit against a non-NBA team.

Kristaps Porzingis looked nervous.

Despite Kristaps Porzingis saying he is not nervous, in his first preseason game…he sure looked it…

Porzingis had his ups and down in his first preseason action. The 20 years-old rookie struggled early on, Porzingis poorly spaced the floor on offense and went 0-2 in first quarter. Porzingis looked nervous, as he fumbled a pass from Carmelo Anthony early on and would throw a poor pass, leading to a turnover shortly after. Fisher kept him in the game, hoping Porzingis would work out his jitters but to no avail.

Porzingis looked like he gained confidence after blocking Garcia Alex, on the ensuing possession Porzingis faced up and threw a foul as he attempted a jumper.

A minute later, Porzingis found his shooting touch, knocking down a three-pointer on a pick-and-pop with Jerian Grant.

Porzingis would knock down another three-pointer, finishing the game with seven points, going 2/3 from downtown. Although Porzingis was an overall 2/6 from the field.

Porzingis knows he struggled and said as much after the game. Although Porzingis had a positive attitude, saying we [the Knicks] still have time to come together and be cohesive.

“I could’ve done a better job, solid start but i expect more out of myself.” “Hopefully I can play better next time.”

“I been working out with these guys for a while now so we trying a way to work together.” “We are getting better as a team, we still got time.”

Next: 2nd Takeaway: Carmelo Anthony looks to be in mid-season form.