Game 38: Winning Streak Snapped

Game 38: New York Knicks v Charlotte Bobcats (Review)

Actual Score: 98-108

By: Malcolm Merritt

Email: mjmerritt23@gmail.com

Carmelo Anthony (7) and the Knicks fell to the Bobcats. Again. 

In New York’s second game of a back-to-back, they looked fatigued. The energy was lacking in every facet of the game. The beginning of the game started well but the Charlotte Bobcats (16-23) were able to outplay them, creating a 55-46 advantage going into the half. Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire took over the Knickerbockers’ sluggish offense and brought the Knicks within five in the third quarter, their smallest deficit in the second half. But it wasn’t enough.

The entire, every run was combated by the Bobcats with timeouts and timely buckets. The New York Knicks (15-23) fell 108-98, in a game that was never really that close. New York got into their hotel in Charlotte at 3:00 AM and simply didn’t have the energy after their overtime win against the Phoenix Suns (21-16) at home. But that is no excuse. Back-to-back games are hard but they are a part of the NBA. IT was most evident in the play of Carmelo Anthony. His legs were simply not under him. The last two nights Carmelo Anthony has played a total of 66 minutes. He scored 20 points, the most for any Knicks player, but did not make a single basket from beyond the arc (0-4). There was a point in the third quarter where he simply seemed removed from the game. He began to heat up and make shots when he moved to the elbow and free throw line extended, making three in a row from about 18 feet away. He finished 9-22 from the field in the game with six rebounds.

Amar’e Stoudemire provided a much-needed spark. He has changed his game since his Phoenix days, less flash and more frit from the post. He showed hints of his old self. His mid-range game was excellent hitting a few shots from the top of the key followed by an emphatic dunk on Al Jefferson off of a pass form Beno Udrih. He scored 17 points and grabbed four rebounds. Udrih dished out five assists in his 13 minutes accompanied by six points.

Al Jefferson (25) carried his team and apparently Tyson Chandler (6) in the win.

The Knicks fatigue showed more on the defensive end rather than the offensive end. Their lackadaisical offense was there but it was expected with their 24^th ranked scoring (95.4 ppg), against the fifth ranked defense in the league (96.6 ppg). The Knicks usually hold their own defensively (98.2 ppg), as their winning streak was often attributed to that. But they simply could not get stops on such a cold shooting night. The allowed Al Jefferson to dominate the game. He simply could not miss, shooting 14-20 and scoring 35 points. Point Guard Kemba Walker also contributed heavily, destroying the Knicks with timely baskets and daggers. He wove through New York’s porous defense, which lacked any form of defensive rotations. He was able to score 25 points from all over the court while also stuffing the stat sheet with seven rebounds and five assists.

What should be noted as well is that in garbage time, the Knicks’ power forward Jeremy Tyler scored six points and grabbed two rebounds in 2 minutes of play. Yes, it was against the Bobcats backups but at the same time, Tyson Chandler is recovering and no matter how Kenyon Martin plays, he has proven to be susceptible to injury if not handled carefully. I say that this young man should get more minutes.

New York is wondering what will happen to J.R. Smith as his leash is short.

Tyson Chandler was inserted into the starting line-up after an extended absence due to bronchitis. His performance was subpar, as he only played 16 minutes in his return. Also, J.R. Smith didn’t even have to tie his shoes for this one as he was benched again inexplicably. After being on the pine in the game against Miami (27-10) and, he played 27 and 25 minutes respectively in the Knicks’ next two games. He commented on his benching after the game, “I hadn’t the slightest clue. I’m just worried about getting better… I’ll figure out what I can do better to help this team. If I can’t help the team, [there’s] no point in me being here.” There is obviously some tension between Smith and the Knicks organization as he just became eligible for trade.

The Knicks play again Thursday as they try to get payback for their overtime loss against the hated Indiana Pacers (30-7).