What happened: Jose Alvarado forced a steal and converted a three early in the fourth quarter. The same Ben Stiller present for the opener showed approval during the NBC Tip-Off opener on banner night.

Why it matters: New York began a title defense after raising its first banner in 53 years. Early bench production from a new addition helps establish rotation order as that defense starts.

What to watch: The bench order early in the title defense remains the development to track.