NEW YORK – Surely there would be rust. Kenneth Faried had largely been on the shelf for two seasons, his last in Denver and half season in Brooklyn.
To Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni, that meant Faried would be well-rested, ready to play 48 minutes if necessary, but he seemed certain to need a bit of time to be sharp again, perhaps even develop timing with his new teammates or perhaps learn all their names.
It took 22 seconds. Austin Rivers made a move. Faried cut to the rim. One slick pass inside and a Faried slam later and he had shown how well he could fit.