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New York Knicks: Players Who Stood Out Against Memphis Grizzlies

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dunks the ball during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dunks the ball during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) defends during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) defends during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Joakim Noah

The New York Knicks signed Joakim Noah to a four-year deal worth $72 million. The purpose of the contract was to provide the Knicks with a leader who could help form a new identity, anchor the defense, and facilitate the offense.

During the regular season home opener, Noah did exactly that against Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Noah finished with six points, 10 rebounds, one offensive board, seven assists, and one block in 22 minutes of play. His presence on the boards and precision as a passer helped him accumulate a +/- of +16.

Perhaps nothing was more impressive about Noah’s game than his ability to consistently work the two-man game with star scorer Carmelo Anthony.

Noah’s passing ability was on full display against Memphis, as he fueled the Knicks’ offense with his brilliant facilitating touch. His tenacity on the boards was just as much of a strength, including the tip-in that he made in transition off of a missed Derrick Rose layup.

Noah won’t always make his mark in the box score, but his rebounding and facilitating are consistent strengths that New York can benefit from.

The proof: Noah’s name was chanted when the Grizzlies enacted the hack-a-Noah strategy.

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