There was perhaps no better indication of the wind of change than Tyler Kolek checking into the game to begin the second quarter, alongside Jordan Clarkson, meaning new coach Mike Brown had used 11 players already.

Kolek immediately showed why Brown entrusted him in the rotation for the evening, hitting a three over Cleveland Cavaliers Centre Jarrett Allen, before picking out a lovely back-door run by OG Anunoby for a nice assist. Not many Knicks fans would have expected to see Kolek in the rotation, even after expected backup Point Guard Malcolm Brogdon retired – but it showed how things are going to change under Brown.

Previous coach Tom Thibodeau preferred a much more condensed eight man roster, with heavy minutes for starting players. Last night, Brown showed great trust in the roster built by Knicks President Leon Rose, that even without probable starters Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, he still felt comfortable using 11. Only one starter played over 35 minutes – that was Anunoby, who had a sensational opening night.

His 24 points led the Knicks, with a clutch three putting the team up eight with just over a minute remaining sending the crowd at MSG into raptures. Those points were accomplished by 14 rebounds, somewhat surprising up against the height of Allen and Evan Mobley for the Cavs. He also added three steals, two assists and a block to an extremely successful first appearance of the season. Given Anunoby’s defensive prowess, his ability to defend almost any player on the opposition, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make an All-Defensive team this year. If he can average almost 20 a night with it, then maybe an All-Star appearance can come as well.

As mentioned, where Thibodeau was reluctant to utilise his bench, Brown seems to be very much the opposite. Given the high pace style that Brown is looking to employ for the Knicks, his ‘bench mob’ will be very important. They added an impressive 35 points tonight, with fan favourite Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride leading the way. He had 15 points on 4-7 shooting (4-6 from 3 point range), knocking down big shots in both halves when the Cavs were making a comeback. McBride is on one of the best value contracts in the whole of the NBA, and should he stay consistent, could be in contention for the Sixth Man of the Year award (given to the most impactful bench player in the league).

It was evident immediately that the Knicks were looking to move the ball a lot quicker last night, and move off it a lot more too. The new head coach was seen waving his players forward after every defensive rebound. Brown has made it clear in the media that he wants to get more open looks for star man Jalen Brunson, and although his shot wasn’t falling last night (23 points on 5-18 FG, 12-13 FT), it was nice to see the team not relying on Brunson isolation-ball, as they have done in years gone by. He was indeed getting more efficient looks, and in fact it was very encouraging that the team managed to win comfortably in the end despite those shots not falling.

Brown also made it clear that he wants his team to shoot more 3’s, which was backed by his players attempting a total of 40 in the game. He might want to see an increase on the 14 (35%) that went in, but already showed a rise from the average 3PA under Thibodeau, which was 34.6 across his tenure.

Mikel Bridges showed he could be perfect for Brown’s system, scoring 10 points on 4-4 shooting in the first quarter as he led a big scoring run from the Knicks, ending up with 16 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 0 turnovers in a very good opening night. There are some rumours that Bridges was not a huge admirer of Thibodeau, and after signing an extension with the Knicks this summer, there is an expectation for him to kick on after an indifferent year last season. Early signs, though, look positive.

Karl Anthony-Towns deserves huge credit for playing at all, having had his availability status for the game changed multiple times over the course of the day. He is dealing with a Grade 2 quad strain, but said after the game he “didn’t want to disappoint the fans”. Even with his injury, which he says was hurting, he put up an impressive 19 points and 11 rebounds. That sort of fight and endeavour will only continue to endorse ‘KAT’ to the Knicks faithful.

But to have beaten a team who embarrassed the Knicks last season, the Cavs holding a 4-0 record against them last season, is a great start. The Cavs weren’t at full strength by any means, but neither were the Knicks. They looked hungry, energised and together in a very positive first game of the season.

Up next for Brown and his troops is the visit of the Boston Celtics on Friday night, looking to repeat the success over their rivals in the playoffs last season.