Knicks Win First Preseason Game vs. Nets

The New York Knicks beat the New Jersey Nets 92-83 in their first preseason game of the 2011-12 NBA season.

Renaldo Balkman led all scorers with 20 points in only 22 minutes off the bench. Rookie Iman Shumpert, who also came off the bench, put up an impressive stat line of 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 26 minutes of play. Rookie center Josh Harrellson had 7 points to go along with 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and an unexpected 3-pointer.

Otherwise, it was a fairly sloppy win for the Knicks. None of the Knicks' starters (Douglas, Fields, Anthony, Stoudemire, & Chandler) hit 50% or more of their field goal attempts except for Tyson Chandler who only scored 4 points. Landry Fields had 7 points and 7 rebounds, but only made 2 out of 12 field goal attempts. Carmelo Anthony had 17 points and 3 assists, but shot under 50 percent in field goals, free throws, and 3-pointers. Toney Douglas had 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, but shot a modest 1 of 6 from beyond the arc. Amar'e Stoudemire's 10 points came from a less-than-spectacular 3 of 11 from the field, including a missed 3-pointer.

Bill Walker, Chris Hunter, and rookie Jerome Jordan did not receive any playing time. Walker was listed as being injured with a strained left groin.

I was especially impressed with Shumpert and Balkman. They both came off the bench and both had great games. If Shumpert can play like he did last night daily, I think he should be the Knicks' starting shooting guard over Landry Fields. Also, Balkman looked like he was in great physical shape.

I mentioned that it was a sloppy game for New York, but this is their first game of the preseason and team chemistry should develop quickly.

The Knicks have one more preseason game against the Nets at home on Wednesday, before tipping off the regular season on Christmas vs. the Boston Celtics.

(Photo Courtesy: NBA - Photo Gallery - Yahoo! Sports)

Have any comments on the Knicks winning their first preseason game. What do you think of Iman Shumpert? Will Renaldo Balkman have a breakout season? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.