The Charlotte Bobcats played the New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden looking to snap their four game losing streak. The Knicks were looking to rebound after their terrible lost to the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Amare Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert both returned to the lineup today looking to help the team get back on track. For the Knicks the return on Shumpert helps get some production from their bench.
The game started with the Knicks looking great offensively, but defensively they were just out of sorts. The defense would result in a terrible game by the Knicks. The Knicks were just overmatched from the start and their energy level was terrible. This group of Knicks have to learn that things are not going to come easy, they must fight to get what they want and work hard. Carmelo Anthony started off well, but went cold in the middle quarters. Anthony did finish the game with a game high 32 points and 5 assists. He really came on late in the game which really hid a tough game for him.
Amare Stoudemire played well in his return as he scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Stoudemire played very well considering his two game absence. The important thing for Stoudemire is that he is starting to force shots and is trying to do to much one on one. He needs to get back to hitting the midrange jumper and using the pick-and-roll. He is very important to this team, but he has to play smart.
Iman Shumpert played very well in his return and at time the Garden crowd chanted “Shumpert! Shumpert!”. He scored a career high 18 points with 5 rebounds. He is going to start in the next few games simply because he plays better with the first unit. His ability to get steals and get to the rim can make him a nightmare to guard. He did cramp up in the fourth quarter, but it isn’t considered serious.
The Knicks lost this game simply because they let the Bobcats get confidence early and that confidence led to them losing the game. This Knicks team has started off terrible, but they must fight through this and become a better team. Once they get the chemistry the Knicks will be a dominant team in the league.
Landry Fields didn’t contribute much and for the game the Knicks were –18 points with him on the floor. He is possibly on his way to the bench with his lack of consistency with the starting unit. He is a nice young player, but since the Carmelo Anthony trade Fields has struggled to help the Knicks.
The Knicks tried to make countless comebacks, but the Bobcats would keep hitting more and more shots. Boris Diaw had a great game as he made shots from everywhere on the court. Diaw ended the game with 27 points and 6 assists. He made it look easy against the Knicks lack of size. Jared Jeffries would have been the perfect matchup for Diaw, but Jeffries is out with a calf injury. The Knicks will play the Washington Wizards on Friday at 7:00 PM as the Knicks try to beat another low tier team.
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