Boxscore | Highlights

Danilo Gallinari's NBA debut was largely an uneven performance. Fortunately for the Knicks rookie, his second half scoring outburst helped propel the team to a 97-94 victory at the Las Vegas Summer League. With all eyes on the Italian forward, Gallinari started off the game going scoreless for the first two quarters and committed several foolish fouls. Gallinari appeared hesitant to shoot from the perimeter or attack the basket. With his offensive game stuck in neutral, Gallinari moved the basketball well and played unselfishly. After a series in which he grabbed a defensive & offensive rebound within a short span, Gallinari's attempt at a dribble-drive that resulted in a wild layup attempt that confounded the coaching staff & his teammates. After being abused by Robert "Tractor" Traylor and fellow rookie JJ Hickson (26 points on 11-15 shooting), Gallinari was pulled by Knicks coach Phil Weber.

Gallinari began the 3rd quarter with a blocked shot. He would also grab a tough offensive rebound, but turn the ball over on an ill-advised pass. After missing a three point attempt, his steal and subsequent mid-range jump shot resulted in the rookie's first two points of the afternoon. He would follow that jumper with another miss from the perimeter, but rebound an errant Mardy Collins (17 points on 4-6 shooting) shot for a thunderous dunk. The dunk seemed to invigorate the 6th pick in the draft and he proceeded to drill a series of shots while showing a deft touch from the free throw line. Gallinari would nail a baseline jump shot just before the end of the quarter that saw him rattle off 8 points. The rookie would continue his sweet shooting through the 4th quarter and finish the game with 14 points on 5-11 shooting while collecting 6 rebounds (4 offensive), 2 assists and picking up 5 fouls in 29:54 of action.

The star of the afternoon for the Knicks was second year man Wilson Chandler. Chandler brought the full repertoire to the Cox Pavilion. His dazzling array of drives and jumper from all angles showed the knee injury he suffered at the end of last season was no longer an issue. Chandler (26 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocked shots) opened the game with a slick drive for two and showed off his pull-up jumper. His steal & dunk in the second quarter were reminiscent of Latrell Sprewell's high-flying act. By the third quarter, the second year player showed his ability to hit the step-back jumper and fade away. In the fourth, Chandler would ice the game with a stellar performance in the game's final two minutes in which he drilled a jumper, blocked a shot and calmly sank two free throws.
Chandler clearly showed he is ready for a starting role with his willingness to compete hard on both ends. As Coach D'Antoni prepares to install his Suns offense, Chandler will find himself playing the role of ex-Suns wingman Shawn Marion. If he continues to excel, D'Antoni may have a potential All-Star on his hands.

The Knicks (1-0) now prepare for the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, 7/16 at 4pm.

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-Greg Hutchins