Featured Image Credit – BRAD PENNER-USA TODAY SPORTS
In a tense opening night in San Antonio, the Knicks took an 84-83 lead into the fourth quarter against a respectable well-oiled Spurs team. Ultimately, New York’s lead dwindled and disintegrated during a 22-2 run that included an 18-0 stretch. On Friday, the Knicks battled back from a difficult first quarter to take their first lead since 2-0 late in the fourth at 109-106. However, the Nets would score 7 straight to win the game 109-113 — Julius Randle‘s turnover down 109-111 with 40 seconds left proved to be devastating.
An 0-2 start for this team is probably expected for some, although not in such an exciting fashion. The Vegas odds for the teams’ total wins this season was only 27.5, and the spread against the San Antonio Spurs and the Brooklyn Nets was +10.5 and +8.5 respectively. While the results were not ideal, Knicks fans should remember that the roster experienced an overhaul in the past year, and the direction of the team has changed from focusing around Kristaps Porzingis to signing former lottery picks — who have been alienated from their original team(s) — to 1-2 year “prove-it” deals. The culture has changed from a team looking for a leader to take the helm to a mix of exciting young players and physical veterans who are looking to show that New York is still tough.
There are still question marks on this team. The point guard position has been a thorn in Coach Fizdale’s side for the entire offseason and the first two games, trying out a mix of Allonzo Trier and RJ Barrett in game 1 against San Antonio and Elfrid Payton in game 2 against Brooklyn, after his strong performance on Wednesday night. The defense has also looked shaky, giving up 110+ in both games, and the Knicks still have the age-old problem of struggling against the pick and roll. They will get to address these problems during the remaining battles of this early 3-games-in-4-days stretch against the Celtics, Bulls, and Magic.
The Knicks are +5 against the Celtics at home on Saturday night. For promotion codes and the most legitimate gambling websites, go to https://www.sportspromocode.com/ to get started on all your future gambling endeavors.
