Kemba Walker received a warm welcome at their first meeting as Knickerbocker. The point guard trained at UConn had 12 points and 4 assists in the victory over the Indiana Pacers by 104 to 125.
“I’m not saying I’m nervous at games, but not tonight,” Kemba Walker admitted to the newspaper. NY Post. “I actually felt very comfortable on the track. We are going to have a great time this year, “he said.
The Knicks landed Walker this summer when he agreed to his contract termination with the Oklahoma City Thunder and previously traded from the Boston Celtics. He signed for two seasons and $ 18 million fully guaranteed. A movement that can be very economical for New Yorkers.
“He came in, made the right plays and set the tone for the game,” said Tom Thibodeau of Kemba’s performance. «The game tells you what to do and I think it does it extremely well there. That veteran leadership, that pitching ability, is very good at pick and roll and it puts you in good situations. I think he attended quite effectively, “explained the coach.
Evan Fournier also arranged his first minutes with the Knicks. The Frenchman started from the start with Kemba, Barrett, Randle and the veteran Gibson, who replaced Nerlens Noel’s last minute loss at rest. His numbers were identical to those of his partner: 12 points and 4 assists.
«Both have played very well. They are incredible. The way they move the ball, “admitted Barrett about the new backcourt for the Knicks (17 points).
The Canadian closed the game 7/14 on the pitch, and Julius Randle started as he finished, leading the Knicks offense with 20 points; to which he added 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.
It is only the first friendly they play, but the Knicks left notable sensations with seven players in double-digit scoring (including all their starters). Second-year players Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin each contributed 10 points, and the Kentucky-trained point guard also had 7 rebounds and 6 basket passes.
“It was a bit of a strange feeling. When I first arrived it was like: wow, I’m back home. And today the circle where it all began has closed. I’ve had great feelings, ”Kemba concluded.
In Rick Carlisle’s new Pacers rookie Chris Duarte led his attack with 15 points off the bench; followed by Justin Holiday with 13. In addition, TJ McConnell and Domantas Sabonis closed with 10 points each.
(Cover photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)