Nets defeat Knicks 88-85

Another great game was played at Madison Square Garden today. The Nets would get the win, but both teams battled in what was another great game.

From the start the Nets were able to make shots from the outside and that was the difference in this game. Joe Johnson was responsible for 5 of the 12 made three pointers the Nets had. Johnson really was able to take advantage of some open looks to help his team get past the Knicks. He also hit a shot that would give the Nets the lead late in the quarter. Johnson scored 25 points and had 5 assists in this game.

This was a very cold shooting day for the Knicks from behind the arc, as they made only 6 three-pointers on 21 attempts. That cold shooting really made it difficult for them to win this game. With out Raymond Felton they continue to struggle to get penetration on the defensive end. That issue really forced the Knicks to rely on their jump shots which weren’t falling today.

The Knicks did go on a run in this game to take a 3 point lead, but the Nets were able to get timely hoops to win this game.

Carmelo Anthony played another great game and tonight was finding his teammates for nice shots. Anthony had a season high 7 assists today and really looked for his teammates. He did score 29 points on 11 of 29 shooting, but overall it was a real struggle for him at points in this game.

Jason Kidd was a master on the defensive end as he racked up 6 steals. Kidd was able to strip most of the Nets while they drove to the basket and that was huge for the Knicks to stay in this game. Kidd also had 11 points and 3 rebounds today.

For the most part, the Nets were able to control the game. The Knicks struggled at key junctures in this game and really couldn’t put distance between themselves and the Nets.

Amare Stoudemire scored 15 points off the bench including 6 rebounds. Stoudemire is really starting to get back into the swing of things and tonight that was more evident.

JR Smith scored 16 points, but he too also struggled in this game. Smith shot 7 of 19 including 2 of 7 from long range. Smith has played exceptionally well off the bench this season, but tonight he really had struggles on the offensive end.

This was a very big game for both teams, but the Nets are now a game behind the Knicks in the Atlantic Division standings. So far this season the Knicks have struggled in big games and tonight was another example. They will have to prepare for another division opponent in the Boston Celtics, whom they play on Thursday night.

Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

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