For two of the younger Knicks , Wednesday night’s season opener presented an opportunity.

Ariel Hukporti , 23, started at center, stepping in for Mitchell Robinson as the latter sat out for injury management on his surgically repaired left ankle.

Tyler Kolek, 24, played meaningful minutes at backup point guard, filling a role vacated by Malcolm Brogdon’s sudden retirement last week .

And both contributed to the Knicks’ 119-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.

“I thought both guys came in and tried to do what they’re capable of doing,” head coach Mike Brown said afterward. “We don’t need anybody to come in and play hero ball or anything like that. Play to your strengths, and both of those guys, they can do some things out on the floor.”

Hukporti and Ko

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