New York Knicks: Five takeaways from the season opener

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 19: Alex Abrines #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks battle for the ball during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 19, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

The final score was lopsided, but the New York Knicks showed flashes against the Oklahoma City Thunder. What truly mattered during the performance?

The New York Knicks officially began the 2017-18 NBA regular season on Thursday, October 19 in a nationally televised and emotional encounter with the Oklahoma City Thunder. A number of players took the court against their former teammates in a truly unique season opener.

Once the dust settled and the game began, however, a harsh reality began to sink in: The Thunder were the vastly superior team.

84. 27. Final. 105. 149

Reigning MVP and triple-double king Russell Westbrook recorded 21 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds in Oklahoma City’s season-opening victory. Paul George scored a team-high 28 points, and Carmelo Anthony added 22 points of his own in his first clash with his former franchise.

The game was close throughout the first half, but the Thunder ultimately pulled away from the Knicks with a balanced attack during the third quarter.

Although a 21-point loss is often synonymous with a game that had no positive implications, that isn’t the case here. There are negatives to address and evaluate, but there are also promising developments that New York can build upon.

The question is: What are the five primary takeaways from the season opener? Perhaps more importantly: What might they mean for the future of the New York Knicks?

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