Knicks Explode in Season Opener in Honor of Sandy Victims

It was more than a season opener for the New York Knicks.

It was a chance for New York fans to get up out of their seats and cheer.

For the past week all of New Jersey and New York City was devastated by the power of Hurricane Sandy leaving millions without electricity, thousands displaced and many more looking to rebuild their homes, their businesses, and their lives.

This game wasn't even supposed to be the season opener. That was supposed to be in Brooklyn when the Knicks took on the new look Nets on November 1, but that game was pushed back to November 26 out of respect to those who were still struggling in New York City. To say that it was too soon to play a game while so many people were still struggling is fair. New York already canceled the New York Marathon on Sunday, and there has been rising questions whether the Giants-Steelers game should have been delayed or moved as well.

But New York needed to have this game. They needed a distraction. They needed to show, as this city and community has shown many times in the past, that it will survive no matter what.

The Knicks perofrmance on Friday embodied the spirit of a community ready to move on from one of the most tragic events in history.

With a dominating 104-84 victory over the defending world champion Miami Heat, Friday night, the Knicks gave their fans something to smile about.

The Knicks who open this season with plenty of old familiar faces from their recent present and past blew away the champions from pillar to post. Led by Carmelo Anthony, who needed to have a big performance after a rocky offseason for the Knickenbockers, he contributed 30 points and 10 boards.

Anthony's performance was one of the best he has had in a Knicks uniform. He drained two three pointers in the opening quarter, and contributed a long 18-foot jump shot to give the Knicks an 15-6 lead.

The three-pointers became contagious for New York. J.R. Smith nailed a 25-foot three-pointer to make it 27-12, and Anthony closed the quarter out with back-to-back 26-foot jumpers to make it 33-17. The Knicks never trailed in this contest.

The game marked the return of Raymond Felton and Kurt Thomas in Knicks uniforms. Felton, who was reacquired in the off-season after the Knicks failed to match the Houston Rockets offer sheet for Jeremy Lin, had 14 points and nine assists on the night.

Thomas who last played for the Knicks during their glory days in the late 90's/early 00's didn't contribute any points, but did play 16 minutes in relief of Tyson Chandler.

Former Net Jason Kidd made his return to the Big Apple memorable as well with 12 points, and three three-pointers for New York, including back-to-back three's to give New York a 41-24 lead over Miami. Kidd was brought into New York with the hope he would tutor Lin, but once Lin departed Kidd became the Knicks starting point guard. Even at 38, Kidd can still play.

Last season's fan favorite Steve Novak picked up right where he left off last season as he nailed four three-pointers down the stretch as New York pounded the Heat.

While LeBron James (23 points) and Dwayne Wade (15 points) were productive it was not enough to quell the momentum of the Knicks who were playing with an entire city on their backs.