Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks Live Blog: Analysis and Conversation
In the opening game between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks, it was all Knicks from start to finish.
Behind the stellar play of their bench, the Knicks outscored the Bucks in every quarter en route a 122-97 victory.
The second unit for the Knicks outscored the Bucks' bench 73-32, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
"Knicks bench outscored Bucks bench tonight, 73-32
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 29, 2015"
The Knicks backups were led by four players who scored in double-digits. Derrick Williams—who could turn into a steal for the Knicks—led all scorers with 24. Langston Galloway added 16 with 4 3-pointers. Jerian Grant added 10 and Lance Thomas scored 13 on 5-5 shooting.
The bench combined to go +103. For comparison, the starters combined to go +22.
"Did you see that?? @JerianGrant to @DWXXIII for the smash! #Knicks lead MIL 95-79! #NYKvsMIL https://t.co/mcfWZnklrj
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 29, 2015"
If the Knicks' bench can play this well, then they'll be able to boast about their depth and it will take the pressure off the first unit throughout the season, especially since their starters tend to be a bit inconsistent.
For example, Carmelo Anthony played in 29 minutes, shooting 4-for-16 from the field and only shooting one free throw.
Heading into the matchup, all eyes were on the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft, Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis didn't have a great shooting night, scoring 16 points on 3-11 shooting, but he went 9-for-12 from the free throw line and made one 3-pointer.
The obvious need for Porzingis is gaining weight. Several times tonight, Porzingis had the ball at the rim, but was unable to convert through contact. If he gets to the free throw line that often, the and-ones are going to fall, but for now, it's growing pains.
As for the Bucks, I wanted to see how Eugene Monroe played at the center position. He seemed to fit that slot better, but having been running with Andre Drummond in Detroit, he wasn't going to get the minutes.
He responded by scoring 24 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, seven of which were offensive.
I also wanted to see how Khris Middleton began his season fresh off signing that fat five-year, $70 million contract. Hey, if Zach Lowe believes in him (h/t Lowe's Grantland colleague Brett Koremenos), then I'm interested.
But he didn't look that good tonight, scoring 15 points on 4-16 shooting. Granted, the Bucks were without the Greek Freak (Giannis Antetokounmpo) due to suspension and Jabari Parker due to injury. They should get back on track when they're at full strength.
In the mean time, a win is a win and the Knicks started off the season with one.
