I didn’t travel for today’s Pelicans @ Knicks game (New York being a bit too far away to go for one game when I have work tomorrow). As it was a matinee game in New York I was able to watch it live without worrying about lack of sleep.

After last season, any game in which the Knicks play well feels like a prize (yes, I am a Knicks fan). This game was definitely a prize. Following two games where the Knicks narrowly lost it was a real treat to see them win, and to win a home game.

At times they still play like a team expecting to lose but there are many positive signs.

Porzingis is showing real skill in the NBA, his stats this season to date are already better than his stats for last season when he was playing in Spain. His foul count has been high in some games but in the last few he has been working on that as

Melo is actually showing that he can play defence. There have been some great blocks and steals from him this season and tonight was no exception. His offence is, usually, not in question but defence was not previously a strong point. It’s impressive to see that he has been working on this and it seem to be making a difference in the team as a whole.

Williams has amazing energy and a great basketball mind. As do Grant and Galloway.

Calderon is playing much better this season than last season, though since the team was tanking last season it’s difficult to know how much was simply poor play and how much was deliberate.

It’s still early, and I’ve been a Knicks fan long enough not to except a playoff making season but it does seem that the Knicks have the right pieces to build on. Finally.