OKC’s new big three a hit in their home opener
Russell Westbrook picked up right where he left off last season notching his 80th career triple double. The Brodie stole the spotlight, but headlines pitted former Knicks focal piece Carmelo Anthony against new face of the franchise Kristaps Porzingis.
Carmelo Anthony took full advantage of the hype surrounding his fashion statement this summer and exited the home locker room and took the floor in his distinctive “Hoodie Melo” look. Although the legend of the hooded scorer was largely based on fan interest rather than actual play, Melo played an integral part of taking down his past team.
The volume shooter scored 22 points in his Thunder debut and surprisingly made an impact on the defensive end with a pair of blocks and steals. His new partners in crime Russell Westbrook and fellow offseason addition Paul George fit together perfectly like the pieces of a puzzle on their way to dismissing New York 105-84.
While the rest of the Knicks stumbled on offense and scrambled to get back on defense, Porzingis convincingly looked the part of a franchise cornerstone. The Unicorn’s 31 points and 12 rebounds were graceful and godly, but if New York continues to give the ball away 25 times a night and shoot 40 percent from the field, even 20 wins seems a bit unreasonable for the Knicks this season.
As for Carmelo Anthony, after wallowing in a toxic situation the past few years, leaving New York for OKC might just what he needs to change his legacy. For the first time in his career he won’t be the best player on his team, but surrendering touches to be surrounded by legitimate superstars will give him the best chance to win an NBA title.
