Kenny Atkinson had seen sufficient.
His Cleveland Cavaliers had compelled a cease on the primary motion, however these Knicks are now not a one-trick pony.
Donovan Mitchell missed a layup with underneath 11 minutes to go in a one-possession sport at Madison Sq. Backyard, and the Knicks instantly turned protection into chaos. An extended rebound led to a leak-out for Jordan Clarkson — a pump faux, a reset, then a free ball bouncing towards the paint.
Karl-Anthony Cities was first to it. He snatched the ball earlier than any Cavalier may react and zipped a move to a trailing Miles McBride, whose trailing three splashed by to place New York up six and tilt the momentum firmly their manner.
Atkinson stormed off the sideline, barking for a timeout — the common sign of a coach fed up together with his staff’s effort. Two minutes later, he was pacing once more, helplessly signaling for an additional timeout because the Knicks’ lead ballooned to 11.
Each groups entered Wednesday’s season opener banged up. The Knicks have been with out Mitchell Robinson (ankle, load administration) and Josh Hart (lumbar spasms). The Cavaliers have been lacking start line guard Darius Garland, sixth man De’Andre Hunter, and ahead Max Strus.
But it was the Knicks — with a brand new head coach, a reshaped identification, and a retooled offense — who regarded just like the staff with continuity. The Cavaliers, in contrast, performed disjointed, relying nearly solely on a 21-point third-quarter explosion from Mitchell to remain inside putting distance.
New York, nevertheless, by no means flinched.
The Knicks closed sturdy for a 119–111 win over the identical Cavaliers staff that NBA common managers overwhelmingly picked to win the Jap Convention on this yr’s preseason ballot. Solely a 3rd of those self same GMs tabbed the Knicks as Finals contenders.
It was a putting reversal from a yr in the past, when the Boston Celtics ran the Knicks off the ground in a blowout season opener — a actuality examine for a staff with championship aspirations. These Knicks have been nonetheless discovering chemistry after blockbuster trades for Cities and Mikal Bridges.
These Knicks, underneath Mike Brown, regarded related from the bounce.
Brown wasn’t positive how his group would reply in its first true take a look at in opposition to a 64-win opponent, however he was clear about what mattered: sacrifice, connection, aggressive spirit, and perception — in one another and within the course of.
“I want them to continue to believe no matter what happens, as long as we’re doing those things, because it’s our standard,” Brown mentioned earlier than tipoff. “I would like them to proceed to consider within the course of and one another as we go alongside, and if anyone goes just a little too far left or just a little too far proper, together with me, we count on everyone to carry one another accountable.
“That’s our standard. That’s what I want to see, and if we do that while we’re learning with the understanding that this is gonna be a process, then I’m OK with it.”
The Knicks adopted his script to perfection.
Mitchell completed with a game-high 31 factors however was held to only two within the ultimate quarter after scorching New York for 29 by three. Brunson captained the Knicks with 23 factors, 4 rebounds, and fiv assists, whereas all 4 starters not named Ariel Hukporti — who crammed in admirably at heart for the injured Robinson — scored in double figures.
OG Anunoby put up 24 factors and 14 rebounds, Bridges poured in 16, and Cities, who was listed as uncertain simply hours earlier than tipoff, posted 19 factors and 11 rebounds.
For a staff nonetheless adjusting to a brand new system and lacking key contributors, it was the type of opening assertion that resonates gone one evening in October.
The Knicks have their subsequent take a look at on Friday in opposition to the Boston Celtics, who, just like the Cavs and Knicks, have their very own justifiable share of accidents with Jayson Tatum out an prolonged time period.
If the season opener was any indication, the Knicks are as much as the problem. Cleveland and Boston will rematch one another at The Backyard on Christmas.
