Knicks Win Opener in Triple OT

Coming off a 23 win campaign, New Yorkers are looking for much improved play from their beloved Knicks. While they gave their fans quite a scare by blowing a big lead, the Knicks managed to survive a triple OT road game in Memphis behind the hot shooting of Quentin Richardson. Much has been made of owner James Dolan's proclamation that coach Isiah Thomas' squad much show significant improvement for him to keep his job. For one night, they played with passion and intensity that was missing from last year's unit.

While the roster remains nearly identical, several of the players seem to be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Center Eddy Curry has been criticized for his inability to stay on the court with foul trouble and not playing to his 6'11'', 285 pound frame. In last night's win he logged 41 minutes with 17 points and 14 rebounds, a great start for the man Thomas compromised the Knicks future for. Small forward Quentin Richardson excelled from the perimeter, drilling all 5 of his three point attempts on his way to 31 points.

A few other things really stood out. First of all, the Knicks deserve a lot of credit for staying in the game early. After Mike Miller drilled his 3rd consecutive three, the Knicks were down 10 early in the game on the road. Last year's team would have packed it in, but they fought back to build a big lead which they maintained for most of the game. Second year players David Lee and Nate Robinson need to be on the floor. Lee made the most of his 30 minutes, scoring 10 points and hauling in 13 rebounds. His motor never stops and he is extremely athletic. Robinson added 14 points in just 18 minutes but still makes some questionable decisions. Regardless, he brings a lot of energy and has a knack for making big plays. The marriage of Franchise and Starbury in the back court will be a rocky one, so the Knicks will need Robinson's ability to change the pace of the game.

One of my biggest problems with last night's game was their inability to close. Not only did the sqaunder a huge lead, their "go-to guy" failed three times to make a shot. Jamal Crawford can be extremely effective coming off the bench, but why does he get the ball every time with the game on the line? I know he has demonstrated an ability to knock down the big shot, but a guy shooting 4-22 from the field should not be given every chance to close the game on that night unless he is your star. Certain athletes, for whatever reason, just don't have the make-up to ask for the ball with the game on the line. It is seen time and again in baseball when effective middle relievers are asked to close, but for some reason can't get the final three outs of a ball game. I applaud the fact Isiah sees this trait in Crawford, but he has not proven himself enough to warrant three isolation plays at the end of regulation and the first two overtime periods. Especially not when you have a guy in Richardson that missed only three shots all night. While Quentin has trouble creating his own shot, thats what you have the fleet of guards in your rotation to do for him.