The New York Knicks lost the second game in a row and now lead the Celtics 3-2 in a best of seven series. This game was all about what the Celtics did and what the Knicks didn’t do.
The Knicks had terrible games from Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith. Both struggled to score and missed open opportunities. Anthony scored 22 points in this game and never could shoot consistently. This was the second consecutive game in which Anthony shot the ball poorly. Anthony did reinjure his left shoulder tonight, so that’s worth watching.
Smith on the other hand, made his return to the lineup after his one game suspension. Smith missed his first ten shots of the game and really didn’t help tonight. He did score 14 points, but those came late when the game was all but over.
The Knicks had a 11 point lead early in the first quarter and gave it back in a hurry. The Celtics chipped away and took the Knicks out of their game. This was a very tough game for the Knicks, who seemed to have lost every bit of confidence in a two game span.
Tonight the defense of the Knicks really took a major step back. The Celtics found open guys on lackluster defense. Not just one player made terrible decisions on defense, but the majority of the team made bad plays. Each missed defensive assignment cost the Knicks tonight.
This series was 3-0 Knicks, but now the Celtics have closed within one game. The Knicks have the advantage with healthy bodies, but the Celtics are just playing smart basketball over the last couple of games to make this a series again.
The Knicks and Celtics will play in Boston on Friday night. That game will be very important in if the Knicks move on or if the Celtics force a seventh and final game.
Tonight the Knicks learned one important lesson. Never take your opponent lightly. Tonight they did and that caused them to lose this game.
It is worth pointing out that Steve Novak left tonight’s game with back spasms and did not return.
Photo Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images
Twitter: @CaardelEaddy and or @CaardelsBlog
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