Joakim Noah took the microphone before tip-off of the Knicks’ home opener and told the Garden crowd: “It’s a long season. Thanks for the support. Let’s get it.”
The Knicks got it. They built an 18-point first-half lead behind Noah’s crisp passing and defense. They held on for dear life in the fourth quarter by blasting the banged-up Grizzlies with a 12-0 run to post an emphatic 111-104 home-opening victory at the raucous Garden.
It served as a successful home debut for their two huge additions from chicago, Noah and point guard Derrick Rose, who came to life in the second half for 11 of his 13 points with an array of dazzling moves. Kristaps Porzingis staged a tour de force with 21 points, with a couple of long dashes to the hoop for baskets.
Noah’s name was chanted during the first half after he drew a charge, and again late in the contest, when he shot free throws. The Hell’s Kitchen product scored just six points, but notched seven assists and 10 rebounds. Noah, who had gone scoreless in the opener in Cleveland, fouled out with 2:28 left and departed to a standing ovation — fans seeing why Phil Jackson thought he was worth $72 million.
“I just tried to stay in the moment,’’ Noah said. “It’s really easy to get caught up in everything going around. This building means so much to me. It was very emotional for me. I was very nervous. It was the best feeling.’’
It all served to wipe out the stench of the season-opening 29-point loss to the Cavaliers on Tuesday.
“It was our defense and we got more time playing with each other,’’ Rose said. “It’s a team sport, so me being gone, we got to get used to the way I played. I was just trying to feel the game instead of forcing it.
“I’m just so happy I got [the home opener] out of the way.”
Noah received stitches to his left ear from his scrappy play. He had his ear stuffed with cotton and tape. It was ugly, but it was a badge of honor.
“Game 1 at the Garden, stitched up, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Noah. “Growing up here, walking distance [from the Garden]. I’ve been in this building for a lot of games as a fan.
“So just to be able to wear this jersey, it’s more than special to me.’’
The Knicks jumped on the Grizzlies early, but had to hold them off late. Trailing 87-85, the Grizzlies were poised for a big comeback, but the Knicks’ 12-0 spree began with another sweet lead pass from Noah into the lane for Carmelo Anthony, who laid it in, got fouled and converted the three-point play. Anthony, after a quick start, shot just 5 of 15 from the field, but made his free throws and finished with 20 points, five assists and six rebounds.
After Anthony’s three-point play, Rose hit a big runner in the lane for a 92-85 lead with 7:02 left. Porzingis followed with a 3-pointer to put the Knicks up 10 at 95-85. Rose capped the spree with a zig-zag move and leaner in the lane for a 99-85 bulge with 4:45 left.
Coach Jeff Hornacek praised an improved defense and ball movement in the first half. The Knicks notched 17 assists by late in the first half, matching their total the entire opener.
The revved-up crowd busted out with a loud “Let’s Go Knicks’’ chant minutes before tip-off.
“We want to establish homecourt advantage here,’’ Hornacek said. “It was a good bounce-back win for us.’’
It was a bounce-back for new Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee, scoreless in his debut. He scored three early baskets and wound up with 16 points.
“I felt good to get out there after Game 1 and redeem myself,’’ Lee said.
Noah’s early passing became infectious and the Knicks put on an offensive clinic in building an 18-6 lead.
“We’re a very skilled group,’’ Noah said. “I was just trying to play within the system and effect the game. I feel I could still do better, not having played in a while. I know I’m a work in progress.”
Memphis center Marc Gasol finished with 20 points, but on 5-of-20 shooting. Point guard Mike Conley added 11 and heard chants of “over-rated” from the giddy crowd, due to his new five-year, $153 million contract.
“Jo’s energy was big,’’ Hornacek said in lauding Noah’s defense on Gasol. “He set the tone defensively.’’