Evan Fournier yelling Knicks debut white classic uniform
New York City native Kemba Walker making his Knicks debut was rightfully one of the biggest storylines going into Wednesday’s opener against the Boston Celtics, but it was another Knicks addition that came up huge in his team debut.
Evan Fournier finished the night with 32 points in his Knicks debut, shooting 6-of-13 from three-point range in the wild 138-134 double overtime over Boston. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Fournier is the first Knick ever to score 30 points in his team debut.
And most of his damage came late in the game when it mattered most, as Fournier hit three threes in the first overtime and added another in the second bonus section.
“We’ve seen him do that. That’s who he is.” Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “I never worry about him making shots. To me, he’s proven throughout his career that that’s who he is. It was nice to see he and Julius (Randle) build some chemistry together. … Kemba and Evan are terrific players, so we’re excited about the possibilities.”
Fournier signed a four-year, $78 million contract with the Knicks this offseason, giving them a new starter in the backcourt to pair up with Walker. A career 37.9 percent three-point shooter, Fournier gives the Knicks another threat from beyond the arc, as well as someone who can attack off the dribble.
And if his Knicks’ debut was any kind of precursor, he should fit in very nicely in Thibodeau’s rotation.
