The New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets tipped off their two-game preseason set on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark. It was only a preseason game and therefore it's difficult to read too much into the game, but Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert stole the show.
Shumpert scored 16 points off the bench to help lead the Knicks to a 92-83 victory in his first game as a professional as he hit six of his 11 attempts from the field in 25 minutes of action. It was veteran forward Renaldo Balkman who led the Knicks in scoring, though, with 20 points as Carmelo Anthony contributed 17 before being given a rest after 22 minutes of playing time.
The big story for the Knicks was originally thought to be Tyson Chandler, but the free agent acquisition known for his defense was rather quiet as he scored four points, grabbed four rebounds and contributed three steals and two blocks for good measure. Second-year pro Landry Field also struggled making just two of his 12 shot attempts as the Knicks shot a paltry 40 percent from the field.
As far as the Nets were concerned, Deron Williams returned to the NBA -- after playing in Turkey during the lockout -- looking a little bit rusty. Williams scored nine points on 4-of-12 shooting and his six turnovers equaled his number of assists. Brook Lopez and Anthony Morrow each scored 15 to lead the Nets while rookie MarShon Brooks had 10 points in his debut.
The two teams will meet again on Wednesday, Dec. 21, before the NBA regular season tips off on Christmas Day.
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