The New York Knicks dropped the preseason opener 130-103 against the Houston Rockets, but there were five reasons for optimism.
The 2016-17 NBA season is officially underway for the New York Knicks. The regular season won’t begin until Tuesday, October 25, but the Knicks began the preseason exactly three weeks beforehand on Tuesday, October 4.
Unfortunately, the Knicks were on the wrong side of victory as the Houston Rockets secured the W by a score of 130-103.
The result itself was less than ideal, but a preseason win or loss doesn’t exactly define the potential of a regular season. A number of key players excelled against the Rockets, and that ranged well beyond the box score.
Both individually and as a team, the Knicks showed signs of intriguing potential against a Houston team that was simply on its game at home.
In some instances, the Knicks reminded fans of what it is that made the 2015-16 team so intriguing on paper. In others, new additions to the roster made statements as they prepare for a season of redemption.
The question is: what are the five positive takeaways from the 2016-17 New York Knicks’ preseason debut?