Knicks Takeaways From Week 1

The New York Knicks are off to a solid start at the beginning of the 2015-16 season.

After playing just four games, the Knicks have a 2-2 record while winning two games on the road and losing two at home. This is a good sign for Carmelo Anthony and company, because most NBA fans predicted a 0-4 start since all the teams New York has played, are quality playoff teams.

Overall, the way the Knicks have started the season has been a nice surprise. Here is a list of things that have helped the Knicks get off to a decent start to the season.

Offensive Efficiency

Although Carmelo Anthony had some offensive struggles in three of the first four games, the Knicks are prospering on the offensive end of the floor. With solid ball movement and spacing, the Knicks have had consistent balanced scoring from everyone that logged minutes.

According to ESPN.com, the Knicks are ranked No. 6 in the league in offensive rating, right behind the Los Angeles Clippers, and Toronto Raptors. During games, the Knicks also look to push the pace on offense, which helps generate easy opportunities for the team in transition. So far, New York looks sharp running the triangle offense.

More from Daily Knicks

• Former New York Knicks center gets real about 2013 playoff shortcomings
• When is the deadline for the Knicks to extend Immanuel Quickley?
• 3 Rumored Knicks trade targets not worth giving up RJ Barrett for
• Bill Simmons ‘guarantees’ Knicks will have one of three stars by next year
• How to watch New York Knicks players compete for bronze at World Cup

Second Unit Production

Although the starting five for New York has been formidable, the performance of the second unit is key to the Knicks success.

Two way players like Kyle O’Quinn, Lance Thomas, and Langston Galloway have given the team a much need spark of the bench. Derrick Williams has been a reliable offensive threat, scoring in transition, from the perimeter, and in the paint.

During the season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Knicks second unit scored 73 points, propelling them to a 25 point victory. All in all, the second unit for New York has contributed in a major way at the start of the new season.

Impact of the Rookies

On the night of the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks selected 19 year-old Latvian forward, Kristaps Porzingis, with the 4th overall pick, and traded for Notre Dame point guard, Jerian Grant, who was the 19th overall pick.

More from Knicks News

• Former New York Knicks center gets real about 2013 playoff shortcomings
• When is the deadline for the Knicks to extend Immanuel Quickley?
• How to watch New York Knicks players compete for bronze at World Cup
• 3 Reasons Tom Thibodeau can’t ignore Miles McBride in 2023-24
• Knicks fans get super anticlimactic ending to 2023 FIBA World Cup

Most Knick fans didn’t exactly give him a warm welcome, but Porzingis vowed to prove himself to New Yorkers and is currently on his way to becoming a fan favorite. In his first week of NBA action, Porzingis has posted an average of 11.3 points, and 6.3 rebounds per game. So far, he has proven to be an underrated defender and rebounder, along with being an effective offensive player.

Grant has been a very productive point guard while playing with the second unit. He has shown poise and the ability to play under control while averaging 8.5 points, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Many have also said that Grant should be the starting point guard, but that debate is still currently up for discussion.

Both Knick rookies have shown lots of promise for the organization for the foreseeable future.