1.   Carlesimo dismisses some of the enthusiasm as typical preseason optimism, but does see their acceptance of him as a good omen.

2.   Criticism aside, there is a sense of urgency from both teams that today is a good launching point to reclaim their preseason optimism.

3.   More important, it robbed coach Jeff Van Gundy of his preseason optimism.

4.   Preseason optimism turns into regular-season reality.