On October 25, after a series of self-congratulatory antics from Knicks fans, the media, and general manager Phil Jackson, the Grizzlies and Knicks finally tipped off their season opener at Madison Square Garden.
This was the earliest of the three opening-night games. Following the principle of saving the best for last, the showdown between the defending champion Warriors and the Spurs had been scheduled for the final tip-off.
Yet the ratings for the Grizzlies-Knicks game caught the league completely by surprise.
Perhaps even the ratings for the next two games would not surpass this one.
Phil Jackson had personally taken a seat in the stands to watch the game.
Before the game began, the cameras repeatedly cut to close-ups of Jackson.
Without a doubt, the string of remarks he had made on last night's program had made him famous again.
And that was exactly what Jackson wanted.
"This isn't the first time Jackson has said something like that, remember? Back in 2014, Jackson fell out with LeBron James over some of his remarks. I'm not surprised by this at all."
At the commentary desk, Mike Breen spread his hands.
As a New York commentator, he understood Jackson's current state better than anyone.
His arrogance and conceit had reached the point where he no longer held anything back.
But games were played by players, not general managers.
Once both teams came out to warm up, people's attention shifted from Jackson to the players.
When Rose, Anthony, Noah, Courtney Lee, and Porzingis ran out of the player tunnel, cheers instantly erupted throughout Madison Square Garden.
But as Link looked at the Knicks' lineup, his heart remained completely calm.
A few years ago, when James decided to join the Heat, everyone had been utterly shocked.
But now, the sight of multiple stars teaming