Game 14: New York Knicks v Los Angeles Clippers

Game 14: New York Knicks v Portland Trailblazers 

 Score: 96-107

By: Malcolm Merritt

Email: mjmerritt23@gmail.com

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The Knicks once again try to end their losing streak against the Los Angeles Clippers. 

New York’s (3-10) lack of offense has been an issue. But they might be able to get a break against the Los Angeles Clippers (10-5). New York averages 93.2 points per game, 25^th in the NBA. The Clippers allow 103.3 points per game, 27^th in the league. If the Knicks were able to move the ball efficiently and effectively, it would give them plenty of opportunities to score.

But that won’t happen. On the other side of things, LA ranks #1 in assists and #2 in Points per game. Led by Chris Paul (an MVP candidate), when fully functional, they are one of the most effective and explosive teams in the entire association. My prediction? The Knicks will lose by double digits. Again. While Carmelo Anthony will once again lead New York with 30+ points on +50% shooting, no one else will truly produce from the field for them. Amar’e Stoudemire will continue to steadily improve with another game scoring in double figures and grabbing more rebounds than the previous game. Raymond Felton will return but won’t contribute too much, still shaking off the rust from his pinched nerve. 

The Clippers will run amuck. They will turn New York’s defense inside out as the game wears on. Blake Griffin will have a major impact on the floor with a huge double-double while Chris Paul will record a triple-double as well. Also, DeAndre Jordan will contribute with his own double-double. Tyson Chandler’s absence will once again show as the Clippers lob in the paint all night.

The Knicks will keep the game somewhat competitive in the beginning, even going into the half with a lead. But the third quarter curse will put them in a hole. With the offense stalling late in the game, the Clippers take full advantage and by the end of the fourth, hold off another comeback attempt from New York.

Chris Paul has dominated the Knicks, averaging 18.6 points and 10.1 assists against them in his 8-year career. 

New York’s issues aren’t going to change anytime soon. They simply don’t have the resources to do so. Trade rumors are circulating about a possible Dion Waiters – Iman Shumpert trade. Waiters is a former 1^st round pick, number 4 overall from Syracuse. In just his sophomore season, he is open to leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers because of his relationship with his teammates. The trade would make a difference on the offensive end, as Waiters is a confident second year player who has even been compared to Heat shooting guard Dwayne Wade.

If the trade were to go through, New York would lose a premier perimeter defender in the process. All slumps can be dug out of and all they have to do is wait on Shumpert to wake up and get back into his game. It’s that simple: Wait for Shump to get out of the slump. The problem is, New York is not a patient city. They’ve always had a  “win now” mentality, and as soon as they tasted a little bit of success with Amar’e Stoudemire’s arrival, they want nothing less. Right now it’s looking like less and if you don’t contribute, the fans want you out.

Would a trade from Dion Waiters really help the Knicks?

New York is not an easy place to play and it will become harder and harder for New York to play at home and on the road if their fan base begins to turn against them.

Bold Prediction: Kenyon Martin will have double-digit rebounds.

Tune into the game at 10:30 PM ET on NBA TV and MSG Network! Also, see the review of the Knicks last game against the Portland Trailblazers here.