The New York Knicks faced a tough reality on opening night, suffering a decisive 132–109 defeat to the Boston Celtics. From the outset, it was clear that the Knicks were outmatched, prompting head coach Tom Thibodeau to pull most of his starters for significant stretches of the fourth quarter. This loss raises immediate questions about the team’s performance, particularly in light of their substantial investment in new talent.
Among the most scrutinized players was OG Anunoby, who represents the Knicks’ $212 million commitment. His performance in this opening game fell short of expectations, as he managed only one field goal in seven attempts, including a dismal 0-4 from beyond the arc. Anunoby’s struggles were compounded by a -21 plus/minus, highlighting his difficulties on both ends of the floor against a formidable Celtics team.
While Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby were the only starters to see extended minutes in the fourth, it was Bridges who provided a glimmer of hope for Knicks fans. He found some rhythm late in the game, shooting 7-for-13 from the field and showing his ability to exploit matchups against Boston’s bench. Thibodeau is counting on Bridges to be a key contributor this season, and his late-game performance was a small positive amid an otherwise disappointing outing.
In contrast, Anunoby’s inability to contain Boston’s stars, particularly Jayson Tatum, was a glaring issue. Tatum erupted for 37 points, demonstrating how crucial it is for Anunoby to step up defensively. Despite his reputation as a defensive stalwart, Anunoby struggled against the Celtics’ offensive firepower, which also saw contributions from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.
The Knicks’ defensive efforts as a whole were underwhelming, particularly given the expectations surrounding their capability to field an elite defense this season. The team’s performance against a high-caliber opponent like the Celtics serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for improvement in both defensive execution and overall team cohesion.
It’s essential to keep in mind that this was just the first game of an 82-game season. The Knicks are still working through chemistry issues after significant roster changes, including the departures of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Anunoby is in the midst of adjusting to his new role at power forward, and his chemistry with new teammates like Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns is still developing.
Bridges’ different style of play compared to what Anunoby was accustomed to last season adds another layer of complexity. With Towns on the court, the spacing and dynamics of the Knicks’ offense will take time to adjust. Towns performed well before being pulled late in the game, and as the season progresses, the team should find a better rhythm as they learn to play together.
Facing an elite opponent like the Celtics, who possess a wealth of chemistry and experience, was always going to be a challenging test for the Knicks. While the opening-night loss was disheartening, it doesn’t define the team’s potential moving forward. The Knicks will have ample opportunity to improve and establish their identity in the coming games.
As the season unfolds, the Knicks need to see a more consistent and impactful performance from Anunoby, particularly given the investment they made in him. Building chemistry and trust among teammates will be crucial as they look to bounce back from this tough start.
In summary, while the opening night was marked by disappointment, it’s a long season ahead. The Knicks have the tools to become a competitive team, but they must address their chemistry issues and improve their defensive efforts. With time, the hope is that they can harness their full potential and live up to the expectations set for this season.