Five Takeaways From First Knicks’ Preseason Game
By William Lee
Dec 27, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Carmelo Anthony looks to be in mid-season form.
Carmelo Anthony looked like he was in mid-season form, devastating Bauru with his array of offensive moves. Anthony went a very efficient 8/10 in twenty minutes of play, scoring 17 points to lead New York over Bauru. Right from tip-off Anthony got it going, knocking down a jump-shot and then a three-pointer within the first minute of the game.
Last week Anthony was cleared by the Knicks, with no health restrictions on their franchise player. Normally teams with aging star-players tend to rest them early on in preseason, but with so many new faces because of a roster overhaul this summer, it looks like everyone will get some run during preseason. New York drafted rookies Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant in June, and signed Arron Afflalo, Robin Lopez, Kyle O’Quinn, Kevin Seraphin, Derrick Williams, and Sasha Vujacic in the summer. All the new faces need to learn how to play together.
With Anthony saying “hell no” to waiving his no-trade clause and that he is here to stay, hopefully his minutes ease up as preseason goes on. The most important thing going into the season is that Anthony is healthy, which Anthony says he is according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
"“I’m back. I’m there. I’m back. I feel like myself again. Mentally, physically, I feel great.’’ “I feel like I’m ready,’’"
Next: 3rd Takeaway: Someone can actually dribble into the paint!