Knicks game notes and observations: Record-breaking quarter leads the way

With the domination of the Atlanta Hawks complete, what were some of the initial observations of the New York Knicks on opening night?

The New York Knicks opened the 2018-19 season with a decisive 126-107 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Led by a 49-point second quarter, this group moved to 1-0. It’s only one game, but a table-setter for the remaining 81 over the next seven months.

This game was not without highlights and notes from New York’s performance, as some players stood out and delivered head-turning nights.

So, in the first edition of Knicks Notes and Observations, let’s look at some mini takeaways from David Fizdale’s first night as head coach:

• The starting unit began poorly, with a 10-2 run by the Hawks to open the game. However, a 10-0 run turned it around for Frank Ntilikina, Enes Kanter, Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke and Lance Thomas. It should stick for another game.
• Ron Baker is the next man up at point guard. He only took one shot but played 15 minutes.
• Mitchell Robinson may have reaggravated the sprained ankle he suffered in the preseason. The rookie center played one minute before exiting.
• Kevin Knox is the clear-cut sixth man. Fizdale used him first off the bench and provided ample minutes for the No. 9 pick. It’s not a starter’s role, but also more than enough on-court time. He shot 4-for-16 for 10 points.
• Energy and activity on the boards will keep Noah Vonleh around as long as possible. So far, so good—a continuation of the preseason.
• Defense was solid at times, including in the torrid run that saw the Knicks put up 49 points—a franchise record for the second quarter. However, three-point spurts from the Hawks showed it’s still a work in progress, which is expected from this young of a team.
• No Courtney Lee, who Fizdale was “hesitant” to play, as the Knicks broadcast on MSG noted. His name also reappeared in trade talks, according to ESPN. A little difficult to tell who he takes minutes from, as Mario Hezonja, a potential candidate to lose minutes with the veteran’s return, had 15 points. Maybe it’s from Baker’s minutes.

• Kanter found a way to create another quiet double-double for himself. Alex Len and Miles Plumlee were hardly a roadblock for the Turkish center to push through.
• Burke had a smooth 15 points, four assists and three rebounds in 21 minutes. Similar efficient numbers to the 2017-18 season. He pushed the ball as expected and should hold the starting job for a while.
• Allonzo Trier didn’t skip a beat from his standout preseason. With 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including that rise-to-your-feet dunk, he’s here to stay.

• The star of the night was Hardaway Jr., who captained New York’s second quarter and finished with 31 points on 10-for-22 shooting. It happened in hot and cold streaks, which will be the story of his game, but an exciting night, nonetheless.
• Just about everything was positive from the Knicks. They shot the ball well from all parts of the court, shared it effectively and played quality defense. This will change by the game, but it was a hopeful night.

The Knicks will clash with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET on MSG and the YES network. These teams battled twice in the preseason, with an even 1-1 record.