Game 20: New York Knicks v Cleveland Cavaliers

Game 20: New York Knicks v Cleveland Cavaliers

Score: 95-99

By: Malcolm Merritt

Email: mjmerritt23@gmail.com

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The Knicks will try to recover Tuesday night from their brutal beating on Sunday. 

Right now, about everybody watching the New York Knicks (5-14) are looking for answers in this abysmal nightmare. After two games of back to back blowouts, the Knicks were given a taste of their own medicine on their own home court. What’s going on? Is there any immediate solution? To the first question, I do not know. New York has had its ups and downs this season (many more downs than ups) but has always seem to go the exact opposite of expectations. To the second question, there is no solution. The Knicks are locked in terms of money and are playing a waiting game for their All-Star Center, Tyson Chandler.

This game of all games they need him. The Knicks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (7-13) on the road, Tuesday night. This is a team that seemed to make brilliant moves in the offseason with players that seemed to be developing on the right track. My friend Dan and I were even talking about the Cavaliers being one of the best teams in the league in the next couple years and a team fighting for a playoff spot this year. They have underperformed tremendously. But the East is terrible. Absolutely horrendous, which gives the Cavs some breathing room as they deal with struggles inside the locker room and on the court. But one of their two biggest moves in the offseason were signing Andrew Bynum to a two year contract. He is playing limited minutes but is solidly contributing to the team on a nightly basis.

Andrew Bynum's recovery was slow but it seems to be paying off at the right time. 

He will be the reason why the Knicks will struggle in this game. New York is lucky he is only playing a little more than 25 minutes because otherwise, there would be mayhem in Gotham. Bynum will be a factor not only on the offensive end but also on the defensive end as well. He has been a shot-blocking beast this season. In his first start against the Chicago Bulls (8-10), he recorded 5 blocks. With his increased playing time he has assaulted defenses with point totals of 20, 14, 20 and 18.  Over the last five games, the Cavs are 3-2 and their star center is averaging 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Bynum will terrorize the Knicks, but they will keep the game close, ultimately losing 99-95.

Because of the post presence that Cleveland possesses, New York will revert to its 3-point shot. They will do fairly well shooting above 35% from beyond the arc. Of course, as everybody is tired of hearing, Carmelo Anthony will lead them in scoring. He wont have the same problems as last game, though his shot attempts will be up, stopping the flow of the ball on most plays. The Knicks are a hardheaded team, it takes them a while to get a lesson down, but when they do, they are amazing, that’s why I love them.

Anyway, Amar’e Stoudemire will continue his improvement in game. The Pick and Roll has been effective for him and can be key to the Knicks success in the long term, starting with this game. Bargnani will also have a good game, as Varejao, Bynum and Bennett are not the best perimeter defenders. Look for him to make a defense from mid-range.

Andrea Bargnani has made a definite impact for the Knicks this year. Look for him to continue against the Cavaliers. 

The Knicks can win if the ball moves and if the Knicks bigs can get Andrew Bynum into foul trouble. Kyrie Irving will do his thing. He is an amazing All-Star level point guard who is in a slump. He will be a factor but he won’t decide the game. Look for him to be doubled often. If New York can take out Bynum out the game like they did to Dwight Howard earlier this year, the Knicks have a chance to win.

Compare the results of the game to the prediction and tune in on MSG Network at 7:00 PM ET.

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