Game 4 of 82: New York Knicks v Charlotte Bobcats (Review)

Game 4 of 82            NY Knicks v Charlotte Bobcats          

Prediction- Score: 100-85

Post-Game Story            Actual- Score: 97-102

By Malcolm MerrittFollow on:Instagram: @mjdaddy323  Twitter: @nykerrday & @mjdaddy323

 

The Knicks forced 22 TOs as they were not able to defeat the Charlotte Bobcats (2-2) at home on Tuesday

The Bobcats (3-2) came into New York and defeated the Knicks (1-3) 102-97 for their first road win in 16 tries. The blame could be spread among many places, the coaching staff, the player’s efforts, the training staff. But the only thing that is a sure problem is the defense. The Knicks have to step up their game defensively or the games are going to continue to be the way they have been. Three games in a row, the Knicks have had to use a fourth quarter surge to come back from a 10+ point deficit. Defensively, the game against Chicago was well played, but their offense did not and still does not have the fire power to support them to that degree.  In their last two match-ups against the Timberwolves (3-2) and Charlotte, the Knicks let up 128 points in the both first halves combined. Each time they played much better in the second half but it was futile as they could never complete the comeback.

The Charlotte Bobcats are currently the fourth ranked defensive team in the NBA, one spot below the Knicks. But they are +.500 through their first five games and are preparing for a home game against New York. They are set to take advantage of the Knicks’ biggest loss, Tyson Chandler. The 2011-2012 Defensive Player of the Year has a non-displaced fracture in his right fibula and will be out for 4-6 weeks. This leaves a GIGANTIC void in the Knicks’ defense, as Chandler has averaged 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game so far with a PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 20.323 per game. The Bobcats were able to score 34 points in the paint after Chandler left the floor six minutes into the 1st quarter. 

Tyson Chandler has a non-displaced fracture in his right fibula and will be out for 4-6 weeks.

The Knicks offensive production has been struggling as well. Carmelo Anthony had his first 30+ point game of the season, scoring 32 points on 10 of 28 shooting in 45 minutes.  Carmelo Anthony punctuated his performance in the first quarter on a long-range buzzer beater. Raymond Felton (14), Iman Shumpert (14) and Metta World Peace (18) were the only other players to score in double figures, as other Knicks players did not necessarily contribute in that fashion. Kenyon Martin was strong on the defensive end with 2 blocks as he should be expecting many more minutes along with Center Cole Aldrich. Amar’e Stoudemire has struggled in his two appearances and has no signs of getting better. Charles Barkley said on ESPN New York 98.7, that “Amar’e has lost his talent.” Plagued by injury throughout his New York career, Amar’e has not been the player he was when he played in Pheonix. In Tuesday night’s game, he turned the ball over 5 times, scoring 2 points and grabbing 3 rebounds, as he is constantly showing that he is not ready to be the answer for New York’s lack of depth in the front court. 

With Charlotte’s defense being above average up to this point, their 25^th ranked offense (92.0 ppg) had to step up. They scored 10 points above their average against New York as Kemba Walker led them with 25 points in 35 minutes on 9 of 20 shooting. Every player that Coach Steve Clifford put in the game scored, and each of those players recorded a rebound as well. With mostly balanced playing time among all of the Bobcats players, they completely obliterated the Knicks on the boards,  51-33 with a much smaller lineup. They turned the ball over 8 more times than the Knicks but still managed to lead after being down 2-0 in the first quarter. They held the Knicks to 28.6% from behind the arc and are looking for similar results on Thursday night at home.

If the Knicks are to turn around their performance thus far, there are 3 things they have to do:

1.   Play Pablo Prigioni more. He plays tenacious defense, keeps the ball moving and sets the tone and pace of the game when he plays. (The Knicks are also 15-1 when Felton and Prigioni start together).

2.   Find scoring. The points can't all come from Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks are missin JR Smith, sorely at that. He is set to return on Sunday, even possibly start, but until then, other players need to become threats on offense (preferably Iman Shumpert). 

3.   Clog the paint. With the absence of  Tyson Chandler, the Knicks need to play tenaciously in the paint which means, Carmelo, World Peace, Stoudemire, Aldrich and Martin have to fill a huge void in the paint. New York generally has a strong perimeter presence. If teams can’t drive in the paint, they have to resort to the shot, which is a big positive.

The New York Knicks play the Charlotte Bobcats on the road at 7:00 PM ET on NBA TV and MSG Network. The prediction will be up soon. Stay Tuned!