New York Knicks: Players Who Stood Out Against Cleveland Cavaliers

Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) fight for position with with New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) fight for position with with New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) looks to pass in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 117-88. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) looks to pass in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 117-88. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Rose

The New York Knicks will need starting point guard Derrick Rose to deliver on a nightly basis. He may not always go off as a scorer, but he must find a way to make a positive impact, whether statistically or otherwise.

During the regular season opener, Rose proved that he’s still one of the more lethal slashers in the NBA today.

Rose finished this star-studded battle with 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block in 30 minutes. He did so on 7-of-17 shooting from the field, 1-of-2 from 3-point range, and 2-of-2 at the charity stripe.

It was concerning that Rose had one assist to four turnovers, but it was more significant that he moved with fluid athleticism.

Rose had the look of a one-man fast break, at times, using his still elite speed to blow by the Cavaliers’ athletic transition defense. In the half court, he displayed his creativity as a slasher and finisher.

Whether it was a flashy finish at the rim or a hard run to the rack with a powerful layup, Rose showed the form that few believed he was still capable of displaying.

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There weren’t many reasons to be happy about the game against Cleveland, but these players provided necessary reasons for optimism.