The New York Knicks would lose their second game of the season tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.
Tonight’s second half really was tough on the Knicks, who could never pull away despite leading most of the night. The Mavericks made big time shots in this one with Vince Carter playing very young. Carter scored 25 points in this game and really was a force off the bench for the Mavericks.
The defense of the Knicks struggled in this one, but some very big mistakes resulted in them losing this game. Going under screens, getting lost on help defense, the Knicks really made this one too deep a hole to climb out of. Their ability to play defense has been a staple this season, but tonight they struggled on that end of the floor and that was their downfall.
Carmelo Anthony struggled in the first half scoring just 4 points. But in the second half Anthony was able to score 19 points for the Knicks, which really helped. Anthony finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 turnovers. He was called for three offensive fouls tonight and really tried to force the action at times. His play this season has been much improved, but tonight he seemed to force the issue at times which really made it tough for the Knicks to get a good shot opportunity.
The play of Tyson Chandler was exceptional. Chandler scored a season high 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Chandler was very important in the second half, as he and Raymond Felton worked the pick and roll with perfect execution. His scoring down the stretch was very important in keeping this game close. Mike Woodson seemed to wait just a little bit too late to bring Chandler back in the game and that may have been the difference.
Speaking of Felton his 18 points and 11 assists were huge in this game. He continues to be a very vital part to the Knicks team on both ends of the floor. Tonight Felton was able to get to the basket with ease as he pushed the tempo. He also was able to find his teammates with excellent passes. This season his play has been a very important part to the Knicks early success.
In his return to Dallas for the first time since signing with the Knicks this offseason, Jason Kidd returned to Dallas looking to have a great game. Of course Kidd would have wanted the win, but his 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals were very impressive. Kidd continues to play very well this season and tonight he was able to have an excellent all around game.
This was the second game the Knicks have lost this season and both have come on the end of a back to back. They have to rebound from this loss and get back on the winning trail Friday against the Houston Rockets.
Follow me on Twitter: @CaardelEaddy
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
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