Game 34: The Knicks are Onto Something

Game 34: New York Knicks v Detroit Pistons (Review)

Actual Score: 89-85

By: Malcolm Merritt

Email: mjmerritt23@gmail.com

It looks like we are onto something folks. The New York Knicks (12-22) HAVE BEEN PLAYING WELL. Crazy right? After a horrendous start to the season in 2013, New York has managed to win 3 out of their last 4. It could have been 4 in a row if it was not for J.R. Smith’s boneheaded play, but who knows what would’ve happened. New York’s 2^nd straight win, they played the Detroit Pistons (14-21) for the second time this season. The Knicks held on to win 89-85 at Madison Square Garden. Fun Fact: New York has won more on the road (7-10) than they have at home (5-12).

The first time these two teams played each other this year, the offenses were moving, there was no defensive intensity as the teams traded baskets and New York fell behind in the 4^th quarter. There were few similarities between the two contests. Both games so far, the Knicks were without their starting center, Tyson Chandler. He was out with an upper respiratory infection. Also, the Knicks were beat on the boards by one of the best frontcourts in the NBA.

But the difference was the desire oozing from the Knicks players. They played with confidence and made it hard for Detroit to score. The Knicks held Detroit to 37.2% shooting from the field and 15.8% shooting from beyond the arc. The Knicks simply defended a lot better against a talented group of players, especially Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith who finished a combined 8 / 26 for 26 points.

The score at the half was tied at 41. New York used a 32-point third quarter to take over the game and establish what seemed like a substantial double digit lead. The Pistons stormed back in the 4th, being down by only 2 with 6 seconds left in the game. Carmelo Anthony grabbed a rebound after a missed free throw and was fouled to end the game.

 

Carmelo Anthony (7) was in the zone, scoring 34 points and leading New York to a win.

Raymond Felton joined the Knicks again after dealing with lingering groin issue. His stat line wasn’t amazing, 12 points, 6 assists, 4 turnovers, but he set the tone of the game with ball movement. New York finished with a total of 24 assists, most of them finding their superstar, Carmelo Anthony. He led all scorers with 34 points and picked up the slack on the defensive side of the ball with 4 steals and a block. He shot 6-7 from 3-point range and has seemingly locked a spot into next month’s all-star game. Iman Shumpert struggled offensively. After having such a hot start, he’s since cooled down mightily; he shot 2-8 and missed all four of his attempts from long range.

The Knicks are open to trading the former 6th Man of Year.

Recently, J.R. Smith was fined for his antics, and $50,000 fine to be exact. The untying of Shawn Marion’s shoe was looked upon as a hazard to the player’s health. He tried to duplicate this but was unable to succeed against Greg Monroe. But his play overall during the game was only slightly below average this outing. Smith, who signed for a multi-year deal in the offseason, has been in a slump since his 5-game suspension to start the season. He scored 6 points and recorded 2 assists in his 30 minutes of play. Woodson may soon be looking to decrease Smith’s minutes and increase some other players until he gets his act together. He was quoted describing Smith’s actions as “unprofessional” and “unacceptable.” The organization is open to dealing J.R. Smith, though there are not many suitors.

New York is playing against Miami (27-8) at Madison Square Garden at 8:00 PM ET on TNT. Tyson Chandler is a game-time decision against the Heat. If healthy, Woodson thinks that New York can absolutely compete with the former champions.