Anthony strong again as Knicks beat Wizards 115-104

After a convincing win over Brazilian club team Bauru in the preseason opener, the new-look Knicks faced an early test tonight – in Washington, against a second-round playoff team from a year ago playing at full strength.

Shooting at only 30.8 per cent in the first half, the Hawks trailed by seven points at half-time and only took the lead with four seconds remaining in the third period.

For Washington, no one truly stood out, but five Wizards scored in double digits, including Bradley Beal, who had 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, multiple nifty drives to the hoop, and a fast break jam over Kristaps Porzingis.

Knicks fans spent the summer fussing over having to get used to Kristaps Porzingis instead of Emmanuel Mudiay or Justise Winslow.

New York’s Derrick Williams had 23 points – 13 in the fourth quarter. For the past three seasons Nene has mostly been the starting power forward for the Wizards alongside Marcin Gortat but this season it seems as though head coach Randy Wittman is leaning towards starting Kris Humphries there, according to Zach Lowe of Grantland. He finished with nine points (4-of-9 shooting), 10 rebounds, and two blocked shots. For Washington, rookie Kelly Oubre Jr. had a miserable night, going 0 for 7 from the field in 25 minutes, failing to score any points. They’ll also be without Kevin Seraphin and Rasual Butler, but both of those players can be easily replaced. G Arron Afflalo was out with a sore left hamstring.

SLOWDOWN?: Washington played at a much slower pace than they did in putting up 129 points against Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Washington hosts Paschoalotto Bauru on Sunday night.