Clippers defeat Knicks 102-88

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New York Knicks today 102-88.

Despite scoring 42 points, including 18 points in the third quarter, Carmelo Anthony played at his best today. Anthony also collected 8 rebounds in 43 minutes of action. This performance was great, but in the end the Knicks couldn’t pull out the win.

The Clippers had excellent balance on the offensive end. Jamal Crawford scored 27 points off the bench and Chris Paul scored 25 points. Both were huge for their team and they delivered in a big game.

For the Knicks, Raymond Felton was the only other Knick to score in double figures. Felton Scored 20 points despite leaving midway through the third quarter with a neck injury. He did return in the fourth quarter. Felton played well today despite the injury. He was able to get inside the Clippers defense and would score easily around the basket.

Today’s struggles for the Knicks came from their bench. JR Smith couldn’t get going and neither could Amare Stoudemire. Both combined for just 15 points and that was a major issue for the Knicks. Stoudemire really has dominated opponents over the last couple of weeks, but today he struggled from the field for the first time in a while.

There really isn’t any concerns about the Knicks, but their defensive intensity has to pick up. Early in the season they played intense and energetic, and that won them games. Over the past couple of months they have gone away from that. This team can be great defensively, but they have to put in the effort every night. Today they struggled and will have to get back on track for their next game.

The Knicks lost for only the second time this month. This loss drops them to a 32-17 record. The Knicks will next face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, looking to get back on track with a win.

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

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