Brunson, Knicks Impress in Preseason Opener

Brunson, Randle and Barrett combined to rack up 52 points (on 64% shooting), 12 rebounds, 11 assists (vs. just 2 turnovers), and 7 made three-pointers despite each player logging less than 23 minutes.

Before Tuesday's preseason opener, it had been 178 days since the New York Knicks played a basketball game. It had been many, many more days since the New York Knicks started an above-average point guard. 

* As it turns out, having a good PG is good

The Knicks knocked off the Pistons 117-96 Tuesday night, with Jalen Brunson leading the way. Making his first appearance in orange and blue since signing as a free agent in July, Brunson made a great first impression in front of the home crowd, finishing with 16 points (on 7-of-9 shooting), five assists, one block, and two 3-pointers. 

He was able to penetrate into the paint and create plenty of scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, which is precisely what Leon Rose and the rest of the Knicks front office were expecting when they inked him to a $100 million contract over the summer. Brunson took control of the offense right from the opening tip, dropping in a floater on the Knicks' opening possession. We saw the straight-line drives, impeccable footwork and the crafty mid-range game Brunson displayed during his breakout campaign in Dallas last year.

"It's a preseason game, but it's a game nonetheless, and I was preparing myself as if it was a real game," Brunson told reporters afterward. "That's how I approach every single game. It was good. Happy we started off the preseason right with a win, taking a step in the right direction, but still a lot of things we can improve on. I'd rather learn from a win than learn from a loss, so just continue to get better." 

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First points as Knick in the Hall of Fame career of Jalen Brunson

Coach Tom Thibodeau lauded his new PG after the win. "A lot of good things, the start of the game, and I liked the way we started the third quarter, same thing, the unselfishness, and it starts with [Brunson]," said Thibs. "When he gets us going and we can get stops and get up the floor and then share the ball, then the game becomes easy for everyone." 

* Efficient RJ and Randle 

While both Julius Randle and RJ Barrett posted solid counting stats last season, they were woefully inefficient on the offensive end. The hope was Brunson's arrival would allow the team's starting forwards to improve their shot selection dramatically, with the new PG setting the table and putting RJ and JR in positions to succeed.