recap

Knicks vs Wizards 11/04/14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

Paul Pierce and the company smothered Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks to a 98-83 defeat Tuesday night.

Right from the start the game was sloppy for both teams. There was too much isolation for Carmelo Anthony, who looked too happy to go one on one with Paul Pierce all game. Pierce suffocated Anthony to an 8-for-23 shooting night with the help of the rest of his teammates. Anthony seemed to want to make a point, that he could take Pierce, always barking back at Pierce anytime he did make a shot. This played right into Washington’s hand, and was most evident in the third quarter.

After a decent first half where the Knicks held a 45-40 lead, Washington immediately erased that advantage within the first two minutes of the second half. Both teams would go back and forth, tied at 56 mid-way through the third quarter. From that point on Washington would go on a 14-0 run, in what would be the defining stretch of the game, putting New York in a 70-56 deficit.

Simply put the offense for New York stagnated, the ball didn’t move crispy as it did in the victories opening week. The Knicks had no assist in the quarter…with the lack of ball movement, it lead to a lot of difficult shots, with New York converting on only 27.3% of those attempts. The defensive end wasn’t much better…going over the foul limit with 5:29 remaining in the quarter. The Wizards went to the line 12 times, missing almost half of their attempt, fortunately, but unfortunately the Wizards still outscored the Knicks 32-15 in the period.

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Knicks vs. Hornets 11/2/2014 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

January 24, 2014 Carmelo Anthony set a career high and franchise record with 62 points in Madison Square Garden against the then Charlotte Bobcats. It is only fitting that Anthony reached his 20,000 career point milestone against the now Charlotte Hornets as well.

Iman Shumpert started the game off very aggressively, possibly because of his contract not getting extended Friday night. Trying to make a point? Possibly…Shumpert looked for his shot early and often, scoring nine points in the opening five minutes, but was overly aggressive on the defensive end, collecting an early second personal foul, forcing him to the bench. With back to back threes, New York held an early double digit lead, 15-5. Carmelo Anthony’s three also put him in the 20,000 career points club.

Gary Neal kept Charlotte in the game, scoring eight of the ten points by the Hornets in between the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter. Neal finished the game with 17 points. New York would lead by as much as 15 points in the first half, going on a 7-0 run capped off by an Iman Shumpert baseline slam dunk, giving the Knicks a 43-28 lead. The Hornets answered with a 22-9 run powered by Al Jefferson, scoring ten points working the low post, cutting the deficit to 52-50 by the end of the first half. Continue reading →

Knicks vs Bulls – 4-13-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

Sunday night the New York Knicks played spoiler role to the Chicago Bulls, who unlike the Knicks actually have something to play for besides pride. New York had nothing to play for anymore because the Atlanta Hawks clinched a Playoffs spot by defeating the Miami Heat (of course that happens…) the previous night. The Bulls though had something to play for, looking to secure their third seed in the Playoffs, but was pushed down due to a 100-89 defeat to New York.

New York held on to win despite Carmelo Anthony not playing in the fourth quarter, after he picked up his fourth foul late in the third quarter. Anthony walked off the court arguing the call and was called for a technical foul. Anthony finished the game with 17 points, after starting off the game strong, scoring the first three baskets for the Knicks, finishing with nine points in the first quarter. His scoring was key to staying in a very ugly game, where Anthony converted on four field goals, the same amount as the rest of his teammates. The rest of the team went 4/14 in the opening quarter.

New York finished off the first half on a strong note, where an Anthony steal lead to Iman Shumpert facial on Joakim Noah, which ignited a 9-0 run, giving the Knicks a 45-39  half time lead. Just as Noah was in the middle of that highlight play, Noah was in the middle of everything Chicago Bulls, almost collecting a triple double with 13 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 assists.

The game would be broke open when J.R. Smith hit three straight threes to start the third quarter, giving New York a double digit lead 57-46. Smith finished the game connecting on five threes, finishing the game with 17 points.

Chicago desperately clawed back into the game, cutting a deficit as large as seventeen to as much as six, on a 5-0 mini run to get within 93-87 with 3:51 remaining in the game. Tim Hardaway Jr. though would knock down all his free throws, scoring seven points in the final three minutes, including a three at the end for final insult. Hardaway Jr. finished the game with 20 points.

New York will continue to play the spoiler role, with the last two games against the Playoff bound Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors who are still juggling for their seeding.

Episode 246: Jinx

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Marc and Jay talk about the win streak and how it is probably just a season long Knick Comeback, Mike Woodsons letter to Phil Jackson, top 5 things everyone needs to stop talking about, setting expectations going forward and much more

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Knicks @ Bucks – 2-3-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee

Efffff recapping, I am going to just use this opportunity to vent…
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW THE KNICKS SUCK!

We just lost to the 8-39 Milwaukee Bucks WORST RECORD IN THE LEAGUE!
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW THE KNICKS SUCK!

You need your star Carmelo Anthony to score 19 points in the fourth quarter just to get back into the game…against a team that is trying to TANK for the number one overall pick…
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW THE KNICKS SUCK!

Raymond Felton…THAT IS ALL…do I really need to say more…
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW THE KNICKS SUCK!

Every play Mike Woodson “draws up” is an iso play for Carmelo Anthony…everyone and their grandmother knew that Anthony was going to take the last shot…HOW ABOUT YOU USE MELO AS A DECOY SOMETIMES…JEZZZZZZ Do you see how the Mavericks use Dirk Nowitzki as a decoy, even on crucial last possession shots…YOU CAN TRUST OTHER PLAYERS TO MAKE A PLAY…IT’S NOT 1 ON 5 out there…it’s 5 on 5…
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW THE KNICKS SUCK!

First of all you let Brandon Knight score 36 points in the last meeting…WAKE UP! Guard this guy…how do you let him get 25 points and 7 assist this game…Knight is not THAT GOOD…and this guy got the last five points to win the game…GET FELTON OFF THE EFFING FLOOR! THIS GUY CAN’T GUARD A CHAIR!
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW THE KNICKS SUCK!

The Bucks are the sixth worst three point shooting team in the league at 34.4%, but yet you let them go 11/18 for 61.1%…That’s cool……Also when a close to 40% three point shooter knocks down a couple of threes…you might want to guard the man…NOPE NOT THE KNICKS…Just let Khris Middleton roam free above the arc…that’s completely fine…
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW THE KNICKS SUCK!

You know what Knicks Podcast Nation, you let us know why the Knicks SUCK…I am done venting for one night. Good Night.

Knicks vs. Heat – 2-1-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee
With everyone counting down the hours, the minutes, on the eve of NFL Super Bowl XLVIII, the New York Super Bowl weekend included one huge basketball match-up in the metro area as well.
The Defending Champions Miami Heat came into town, showing that defense wins championships. The Heat made sure to not let Carmelo Anthony get into any offensive rhythm. Sending defensive stalwart Shane Battier to guard him, Battier made it tough for Anthony, constantly fronting him, forcing him to work very hard to even catch the ball. When Anthony was finally able to possess the ball, another Heat would swarm in Anthony’s direction to double team him, forcing him to take a bad shot, or pass the ball out. Anthony wasn’t making good decisions, turning the ball over seven times in a 106-91 defeat to the Miami Heat. Anthony finished the game with 26 points 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Shane Battier hounded Anthony into committing three turnovers and scoring only four points in the first quarter, whom normally would be closer to double figures as the Knicks’ primary option on offense. Battier wasn’t only getting it done of the defensive end, he also got it done on the offensive end, scoring 11 points in the first quarter, knocking down three three-pointers in the process. With all the attention paid to Carmelo Anthony, J.R Smith got loose for the Knicks early, scoring 11 points in the first quarter, and finishing the game with 20 points. Smith’s early contributions kept New York in the game, but the Heat went on a 10-2 run to end the first quarter to take a 29-22 lead.
The Heat led by as much as 14 points mid-way through the second quarter, propelled by Dwayne Wade’s nine points in the period. Wade was unstoppable, scoring on tough mid-range jumpers, as well as slashing to the rim for 22 points in the game. The Knicks though did not give up, going on an 11-2 run bridging from the end of the second quarter and into the opening minutes of the third, to get within a possession 53-51.
Miami would respond immediately, going on a 15-4, fueled by the Knicks turnovers. New York committed five turnovers in the third quarter, 17 in total for the game. New York was too careless with the ball Saturday night, making poor decisions. There were way too many cross court passes attempted by the Knicks, which was easily stolen by the Heat. And it wasn’t like New York didn’t know this was coming, Miami is first in the league in forcing opponents to turn over the ball at 17.4 per game, as well as top five in team steals at 8.9 per game. Simply put the Knicks needed to take care of the basketball against the Miami Heat, and they didn’t. New York didn’t help their own cause, when they just kept fouling (some of the calls were questionable) at the end of the third quarter, fouling on five consecutive possessions to end the period. Miami shot 11 free throws in the third quarter, converting on seven of them.
A three-pointer by Tim Hardaway Jr. cut the Miami lead to five to start the fourth quarter, the rookie followed up his career high 29 points, with 17 points Saturday night. New York was able to again cut the Miami lead to five again with nine minutes left in the game, but that would be as close as the Knicks would ever get, as Norris Cole was personally responsible for an 8-2 run, scoring six points and assisting on a Chris Bosh jumper. The run gave Miami a double digit led again, 92-81 with 5:45 remaining in the game. Cole’s play was the most pivotal part of the game, and completely changed the momentum in favor of Miami, he had the best +/- of any player in the game, with +17. Lebron James closed the door shut on the Knicks, extending the led to as much as 16 points, making a few tough fade away jumpers. James finished the game with 30 points 8 rebounds 7 assists, and 6 steals.
Tonight was the type of game where New York really missed the presence of Iman Shumpert. It is a given what Lebron is going to do, but New York really needed a defensive guard to slow down Dwyane Wade. Shumpert would have been given the assignment to guard him, yes he gambles a lot, and is overly aggressive at times, picking up too many ticky tack fouls, but it is still better than having Tim Hardaway Jr. guarding Wade. Hardaway Jr. at this point in his career is just a scorer, he hardly gets any rebounds, steals, or blocks. But defense isn’t just what you see on the stat sheet, he does not cover his own man well, nor does he rotate well on defense. Shumpert presence would have definitely changed the game, but you have to weigh out the positives and negatives, because for what Hardaway Jr. lacks in defense, Shumpert lacks in offense. New York didn’t help themselves either tonight, stabbing themselves in the foot, missing nine free throws, converting on only 60.9% of attempts. The most noteworthy one was when Carmelo Anthony got fouled on a three-point attempt, and proceeded to miss three straight free throws.

Knicks vs Lakers – 1-26-14 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee
What would Carmelo Anthony do for an encore, after his historic 62 points performance in Madison Square Garden Friday night?
Carmelo Anthony followed it up with 35 points, in a 110-103 New York victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. This was the first matinée day game victory for New York all season long, as the Knicks were 0-5 prior to Sunday’s victory.
Anthony immediately scored on the Knicks’ first possession, scoring seven points in three minutes, enticing Knicks’ fans to hope for another epic performance. Though he would be relatively slowed compared to Friday night, by scoring only ten points in the first quarter. Anthony looked to be forcing the issue for another great game at the end of the first quarter, missing an ill-advised three on the fast break. Then turning the ball over while trying to drive to the rim leading to break away windmill dunk by Wesley Johnson, and then he just dribbled out the clock trying to make a move to the rim not aware that the clock was about to expire.
It was a tightly contested game throughout, with neither team being able to take a double digit lead. With the Knicks up 99-97 in a little less than five minutes remaining in the game, Anthony went to work, going on a personal 6-1 run to give New York a 105-98 lead with 2:33 left in the game. Anthony scored on a couple of layups and a jump shot, he got to the rim with ease Sunday, getting by any defenders the Lakers threw at him. Raymond Felton would knock down a jumper to increase the lead to 107-99 with 1:31 left in the game. Felton played extremely well, also getting into the paint with ease, connecting on a few floaters in the lane, scoring 20 points and collecting five assists on Sunday’s matinée game.
Pau Gasol had 20 points 13 rebounds and 4 assists, and Los Angeles went to him late in crunch time. Gasol would score with 1:23 remaining to keep the Lakers in the game 107-101. Lakers would get the stop they needed, and they would try to get the ball to Gasol again, the Knicks wisely doubled teamed him immediately, forcing Gasol to kick the ball out to Kendall Marshall, who missed a three that could have made it a one possession game. With 44.7 seconds left in the game, the Lakers looked to make a defensive stop instead of fouling to stop the clock, watching J.R. Smith dribble it out, but Nick Young foolishly fouled Smith on his initial move to the rim, effectively ending the game for the Lakers. Smith was also a key contributor to the win with 16 points 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Carmelo Anthony had plenty of help in Sunday’s matinée victory, with four other Knicks’ in double digit scoring, on top of his 35 point encore performance. As great as the victory was, and a momentum builder, it should be noted that the Lakers give up the second most points to opponents in the league at 106.1, so it was definitely a game the Knicks should have won, if they are to make the playoffs. Something interesting to note going forward, is that Mike Woodson elected to go with Cole Aldrich as the first big to come off the bench, even though Jeremy Tyler showed potential in the previous games. Another coaching tactical issue is the fact that Jodie Meeks was allowed to go 6/8 from beyond the arc. Meeks is a three point specialist, with half of his field goal attempts being threes, New York should have ran him off the three point line, and force him to put the ball on the floor.

Knicks vs Celtics – 12-8-13 – Game Recap

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Written By William Lee

Quarter 1 – 

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Quarter 2 – 

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Quarter 3 – 

Quarter 4 – 

Knicks at Clippers 11-27-13

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Written by William Lee
Raymond Felton made his return to the Knicks after missing the last four games with some nerve complications in his hip. At first Felton looked out of sync with his teammates committing two quick turnovers, but quickly got back on track, finishing the game with 12 points and 7 assist. Blake Griffin got into early foul trouble, picking up his second foul before the half way mark of the first quarter. With the Clippers’ superstar forward on the bench, the Clippers united as a group to take a 29-27 first quarter lead. The Clippers had eight players score by the end of the first quarter.  Carmelo Anthony and Andrea Bargnani got off to a quick start, both finishing in double digit scoring by the end of the first quarter predicated by the Knicks better ball movement. The Knicks finished the first quarter with eight assist on eleven made field goals.
Basketball is a game of runs, and the second quarter featured three prolonged runs. The Clippers opened up the second quarter on an 11-2 run to take a 40-29 lead with 8:20 remaining in the second quarter. The Knicks then went on a 13-0 run to regain the lead 42-40, during this run the Clippers took and missed four straight threes. The Clippers then went on a 9-3 run to end the first half leading 49-45. During the two prolonged Clippers’ runs there was one common denominator; Amare Stoudemire was in the game defending the paint for the Knicks. The first Clipper run ended when Stoudemire was substituted out at 8:13, and then the Clippers went on the run to end the quarter when Stoudemire checked back into the game at 3:37 left in the first half. Whenever Stoudemire was in the game, there was a clear path to the rim, he was completely lost on defense. He finished the first quarter with a +/- of -21, as compared to the current best Knicks defender Kenyon Martin, who had a +17 at the end of the first half. Overall Stoudemire finished the game with an even worse+/- at an astonishing -29, while Martin was by far the best Knick in +/- staying at +17. Continue reading →

Knicks vs Pacers – 11-20-13 – Game Recap

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Written by William Lee
 
Paul George outduels Carmelo Anthony in the Pacers overtime win against the Knicks 103-96. George sent the game to overtime on an Iman Shumpert foul on a three point attempt, he calmly knocked down all three free throws. With the game all tied up at 89-89, the Knicks had 5.2 seconds left to win the game, going with their superstar Carmelo Anthony, but he could not deliver the victory, missing on a turnaround jumper. In the extra period Paul George scored nine of his season high 35 points, to pull away from the Knicks. George showed his complete array of offensive repertoire in overtime. Drawing first blood in overtime with a three to push the Pacers ahead 92-89 with 3:43 left in overtime. Then he scored on a pull up jumper, and then got Andrea Bargnani up in the air on a pump fake, and drawing a foul, knocking down both his free throws on the next possession. With 1:08 left in overtime George hit a dagger step back jumper to put the Pacers ahead 99-93. The Knicks could not keep pace with the Pacers in overtime, as Carmelo Anthony was the only Knick who scored, that wasn’t in garbage time. He tried his best to keep the Knicks close scoring four points in the extra session.
 
Carmelo Anthony started off great, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds by the end of the first half. The Knicks were the team that looked like they were the defensive stalwarts holding the Pacer scoreless for five minutes to start the game. The Knicks were up by as many as 13 points to nothing, before the Pacers clamped down on defense. The Knicks missed ten straight field goals, fueling a Pacers 14-6 run to end the first quarter. This was highlighted by a Roy Hibbert bank in three to cut into the deficit 19-14 to finish the quarter. Continue reading →