After trailing by 27 points, the New York Knicks would take a 5 point lead late in the fourth quarter. But that lead would be short lived as James Johnson would nail a three-pointer to end the game. Johnson scored 17 points against the Knicks tonight and really had his jumper going.
The Knicks really had a successful second half, but the 71 points allowed in the first half really came back to haunt them. Defensively the Knicks struggled to limit the outside shot tonight. The Kings made 15 three pointers tonight and really used quick passes and penetration to create open shots. This was a poor defensive effort by the Knicks in the first half. But their second half they limited the Kings to just 35 points. They really were able to force contested jump shots and really had nice defensive rotations. The Knicks had 8 blocks tonight, 7 of those 8 blocks came in the second half.
JR Smith scored a season high 28 points tonight on 11 of 25 shooting from the field. Smith really was able to connect on some tough shots and really was a nice spark off the bench.
Chris Copeland really played well in his career high 40 minutes of action. Copeland scored 23 and made 3 three pointers. He really has shown that he is a nice offensive player. Tonight Copeland really showed that he could score if given the minutes. If Carmelo Anthony is out another game expect Copeland to see more minutes.
The Knicks really had the momentum in the second half, but turnovers did them in tonight. 17 turnovers is too high for any team, but when the game is close they really comeback to bite.
Tyson Chandler was a beast on the boards tonight, collecting 18 rebounds. Chandler really used his size and length to his advantage tonight. Chandler also scored 21 points, but struggled at the free throw line. His 3 for 9 performance really could be viewed as the area in which really cost the Knicks, but turnovers really hurt as well. He did an excellent job on DeMarcus Cousins in the second half, limiting him to just 4 points.
Marcus Camby was also a force tonight as he recorded a season high 4 blocks tonight. Camby showed tonight that he is starting to get his defensive presence back and those blocks are a great sign for him.
This was a tough game for the Knicks, but they will have to move on, which they will. They will have the next couple of days off before taking on the Portland Trailblazers on New Years Day. This loss is only the 9th of the season for the club, but one they will want to forget.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli
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