3 fire takeaways from Knicks’ rout over Pistons in preseason opener

It was a painfully slow six months without New York Knicks basketball, but they opened up the 2022-23 season with a bang in the preseason. In a couple of weeks, the Knicks will take on the Pistons in their regular season home-opener, but first, New York handed Detroit a 117-96 loss.

It’s just the preseason, but there was a lot to like about what the Knicks put on display. From Jalen Brunson scoring the first basket to Miles McBride’s peskiness on defense that resulted in six steals, New York put on a show for the basketball-craved fans at Madison Square Garden.

There were more than three things to like about the Knicks’ win, but here are the three biggest positives from New York’s preseason opener.

3 fire takeaways from Knicks’ 117-96 rout over Pistons in preseason opener

3: Isaiah Hartenstein is a true stretch five

This is not a drill, but New York has a center that can hit three-pointers. The Knicks have a true stretch five. No, this is not some sort of cruel joke.

New York’s first move in free agency was signing former Clippers center Isaiah Hartenstein to a two-year, $16 million deal. In 2021-22, he shot 46.7% from the three-point line, but it was on less than half an attempt per game. It’s been known that Hartenstein brings a dynamic to the offense that Mitchell Robinson doesn’t, but he exceeded expectations in his debut.

The seven-foot big man finished with eight points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes, and six of his points came from behind the arc within the span of a minute.

Hartenstein’s versatility was a highlight in his first game with New York as he was all over the floor. After hopping around the league in his first four years in the league, the 24-year-old has a chance to find stability with the Knicks.

2: RJ Barrett’s finishing at the rim

RJ Barrett signed a four-year extension last month after being wrapped up in Donovan Mitchell trade rumors. Because of the team that he’s on, there have been questions about Barrett’s potential as he enters his fourth season, but the 22-year-old started the season off on the right foot.

Barrett scored a game-high 21 points (8-of-14) in 23 minutes and added five rebounds and two assists. He shouldn’t have an issue topping his 20-point per game average from last season, but the biggest takeaway from his performance was his finishing at the rim.

RJ Barrett’s finishing at the rim was a big positive from the Knicks’ win

RJ knocked down three shots from deep, but the majority of his offense typically comes from him driving to the rim. His finishing was a point of contention in 2021-22, but that wasn’t the case in his first preseason. The work that Barrett put in over the summer has already started to pay off.

If Barrett can continue to adjust to contact down low and finish at the rim, a new level of his game will be unlocked. RJ showed improvements in his first three years in the league and year four is shaping up to be the best one of his young career.

1: The Knicks have a point guard

After watching Alec Burks run the point for the Knicks last season, seeing Jalen Brunson lead the offense in his debut was a sight for sore eyes. He signed a four-year, $104 million contract with New York in free agency and that stirred up a debate about if he’s overpaid or not. If Tuesday was an indication of how this season’s going to go for Brunson, it won’t be long until he quiets the naysayers.

Brunson finished with 16 points (7-of-9) and five assists in 20 minutes. In true Jalen Brunson fashion, the first points of the game came when he drove into the lane on the Knicks’ first offensive possession.

Jalen Brunson was the star of the show for the Knicks on Tuesday

It’s been far too long since New York had a true point guard, so it was almost strange to watch Brunson facilitate the offense. His impact didn’t stop there, either. Although he stands at six-foot-one, Brunson was a force on the defensive end, which included him taking three charges.

Last year with the Mavericks, Brunson made $1.8 million, and that number has grown exponentially to $27.7 million in 2022-23. Both of New York’s additions in free agency are proving to be money well spent.

It’s still early, but contemplating if Brunson can perform well without Luka Doncic shouldn’t be a question. The Knicks filled a huge void this summer by signing Brunson and in game one, his impact on the floor was undeniable.

It’s nice to have you in NYC, Jalen. Welcome home.

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