Sal says these Knicks could be most 'loaded' team of his lifetime if they reach potential

The Knicks, despite struggling once again with first-half turnovers and some shooting struggles from Jalen Brunson, came together in the second half and pulled away from the 76ers on Tuesday night to open up group play in the NBA Cup.

Mikal Bridges, who has been trying to find his way in his new surroundings, starting finding his midrange shot with a 7-for-13 night, while Karl-Anthony Towns got the best of Joel Embiid, finishing with 21 points. OG Anunoby led the way with 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting and a game-high +18, and Josh Hart, after a quiet preseason, put up a triple-double while continuing his elite shooting efficiency from inside the 3-point line to begin the season.

The offense, which entered the game as one of the most efficient in basketball despite its slow pace, continued to find widespread scoring and leave Sal Licata drooling over the potential of this group once they learn how to play together and really get going.

"I love watching Karl-Anthony Towns play! Tough Bucket Towns, that's my new nickname for him," Sal said, marveling at Towns' talent and his ability to put the ball in the bucket.

"This is the most loaded Knicks team that I have seen in my lifetime. They are loaded. Does that mean they're gonna win the championship? Who the hell knows."

The concern has been the depth, as Tom Thibodeau was going with a scarce rotation before Tuesday's game in Philly, but he changed that by playing nine guys against the Sixers, and with help eventually coming, Sal believes the bench issue will take care of itself.

"They're going to get some more depth," Sal said. "Even McBride off the bench is a freaking stud…they'll get Achiuwa back and Mitchell Robinson."

Sal sees Bridges being the true X-factor, and if he can find it consistently from beyond the arc and step up his defense while the other pieces around him play to their potential, it could be one of the more loaded teams he has ever seen from the Knicks.

"It's oozing with guys who can score the basketball," Sal said. "We don't even talk about Anunoby and what he can do…Bridges, Towns, who scores from up top and down low…obviously Brunson…dude, this team has the potential to be as good a Knick team as I've ever seen. And I'm 45 years of age."