New York Knicks: It Was Only The Preseason Opener

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Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York City FC defender Ethan White (3) dribbles the ball during the third quarter as Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston’s Experience vs. New York’s Inexperience

The Houston Rockets and New York Knicks both have rosters that have undergone extreme makeovers. Houston made swooping changes in free agency, much as the Knicks did during the summer of 2016.

True as that all may be, it’s vital to note that this was Houston’s second game of the 2016 NBA preseason.

Houston played the Shanghai Sharks in their 2016 NBA preseason opener. Thus, while New York was coming together for the first time, Houston already had a game under its belt to put what they’d been practicing into motion.

A 27-point loss is difficult to process, yes, but the Knicks were expected to struggle in their first game together.

New York has three new starters, and one of them wasn’t even active for the Houston game. It also has a new bench, with Kyle O’Quinn—who started in Joakim Noah’s absence—Lance Thomas and Sasha Vujacic being the only returning reserves who played more than 10 minutes.

The result may not have been ideal, but the first competitive game of the season is far from enough for a final determination.

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