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New York Knicks: Who stepped up on opening night against the Hawks?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks and Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks pursue th eloose ball at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks and Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks pursue th eloose ball at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the game on October 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the game on October 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks controlled the majority of the game against the Atlanta Hawks, which resulted in a 126-107 win.

After a 3-2 record in the preseason, the New York Knicks walked back into Madison Square Garden for an opening-night matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. It proved productive, as head coach David Fizdale won in his debut, 126-107.

The night featured plenty of highs for the Knicks, even in just the first game. The new-look starting lineup played well together, while the bench mob also stood out in this lopsided victory.

Which players stepped up, however, versus the Hawks? Who was the star of the night? Let’s look at these players from New York’s first win of the season:

5. Trey Burke

The favorite for point guard from the start, Trey Burke didn’t have a standout performance in any of the five preseason games. Neither did Emmanuel Mudiay, either, and Frank Ntilikina was sought for another position in the lineup.

In 2017-18, Burke delivered an efficient line on 12.8 points, 4.7 assists and 50.3 percent shooting in just 21.8 minutes—his best season numbers by far, even in just 36 games. It could have been a one-time-only occurrence, given his previous struggles.

So, with the regular season’s return, the Michigan product brought out 15 points, four assists and three rebounds in 21 minutes. It’s a line that provides job security if Fizdale ever has second thoughts on the starter.

Unless Mudiay returns and shows something he didn’t in the preseason, there’s little for Burke to worry about. He provided enough from a distribution standpoint and added the necessary scoring punch from inside and outside the arc (2-for-3). As long as it’s consistent, he’ll start.

Losing may change this, and the Knicks are expected to drop a handful of games throughout 2018-19. Still, it’s just one night and there’s a long way to go before a change goes into question.

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