The Knicks–Sixers opener has a better question than who won their preseason meeting: what happens to the next possession after a miss? Philadelphia had the stronger perimeter return in that meeting, while New York later found plenty of assisted baskets against Toronto and still gave the ball away often. If the Knicks' ball movement survives without handing Philadelphia extra chances, that earlier score could be a poor guide. If the Sixers get repeat looks from outside, New York's passing alone may not change the shape of the game.
Our provisional preseason records show Philadelphia making 16 threes to New York's six in their meeting, with a 53–49 rebounding edge. In New York's later game against Toronto, the Knicks logged 35 assists and 20 turnovers; both teams had 20 turnovers. Different opponents and preseason rotations limit what these games can tell us. Which part carries over: the shot gap, or New York's ability to connect passes?
