Mike Breen
MSG Network play-by-play man Mike Breen talks about the Knicks’ surprising start, the standoff with LeBron James and a different Garden this season with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: What has been the most enjoyable part of this Knicks start?
A: Maybe the best part of the start is what it’s meant to the Knicks fans. The Garden has sounded so wonderful. When things are going well, there’s no better building in the NBA. For the fans, who are so loyal, desperate and hungry, just a team they can root for and be proud of, to me, that’s the best part.
Q: But they’ve had success to start the past two seasons?
A: Yes, and you have to be cautious with your optimism, but this year does feel different. Part of it is the expectations were extremely low going in. When you lose your star player (Carmelo Anthony) going in, you don’t know what to expect. And the way (Kristaps) Porzingis is playing, he is giving hope that he can be that special player that every franchise wants to have.
Q: What was your takeaway from the pushing contest with James?
A: For (Frank) Ntilikina to stand up for himself like that at 19 against the best player in the game, he has now endeared himself to the fans forever. For (Enes) Kanter to immediately rush to his defense, that’s what Knicks fans want. They want the loyalty.
A: How has Ntilikina adjusted as a rookie?
A: I’m surprised how quickly he has been able to make an impact because of the injury issues he’s had during summer league and preseason. For him to come in during the fourth quarter of a close game and not look like he’s overwhelmed has been very impressive with his poise and maturity. Defensively he can play with anyone, and offensively every game he seems willing to do a little bit more. He still has to work out a shot, but this kid is such a hard worker and so wants be good that it’s just a matter of time. Q: What’s surprised you most about Kanter? A: Kanter has always had this reputation of being a great offensive player and terrific rebounder, but a poor defender. The biggest surprise is that he’s really improved on his defense. He’s not going to make anybody’s all-defensive team, but he’s working hard on it. And his emotion and his energy and he’s so well-liked in the locker room. Kanter and (Doug) McDermott are both good, solid players and I think they have both exceeded expectations. It’s so hard to get equal value when you trade a star player (Anthony), especially when you have to trade him, but he Knicks did a great job of getting two key rotation players back.