The New York Knicks hosted the Charlotte Bobcats tonight marking the first game in the newly renovated Madison Square Garden. From the start the Knicks controlled this game and at one point had a 19 point lead. The Knicks would struggle to hold the lead as the Bobcats would storm back in the fourth quarter to take the lead. The Knicks offense fell off mightily in the second half and that struggle would cost them the game. The Bobcats would hold the lead and defeat the Knicks 85-83.
Josh McRoberts led the Bobcats with 19 points and 9 rebounds. McRoberts played really well tonight using his shot to score. That area is something he has improved on and it showed tonight. Along with McRoberts, Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker were two other players that stepped up tonight. Both scored 18 points. Walker had a fantastic all around game as he grabbed nine rebounds and handed out six assists. Walker is someone the Bobcats are counting on and tonight he performed really well.
Early on it was all the Knicks and they were led by Iman Shumpert. His shot was in prime form tonight as he connected on four three-pointers. That area for Shumpert has been an improvement and tonight he showed that. This season Shumpert will likely see many open opportunities and if he can convert on those opportunities the Knicks will be in business.
Off the bench Metta World Peace really was a spark as he scored 12 points. Peace continues to give the Knicks solid play off the bench and should continue into the regular season. Defensively, Peace and Prigioni played really well together. They were able to play full court defense causing bad passes by the Bobcats. That pressure really disrupted the timing of the Bobcats and led to bad shots and or turnovers. That combination will be great during the regular season.
There were a few Knick debuts tonight. Amare Stoudemire, JR Smith, and Kenyon Martin all made their debuts tonight and really looked solid considering the time they have missed this preseason. Stoudemire scored six points in 12 minutes, Smith scored 11 points in 13 minutes, and Martin added two points in 14 minutes. JR Smith was the real bright spot as his shot looked really good. Smith shot five-for-nine from the field including a long three-pointer to end the third quarter. Smith will miss the next five game due to suspension, but his play tonight was great to see.
Carmelo Anthony did play in this game, but struggled with his shot as he scored just 13 points. Anthony seemed off tonight and has been that way the last couple of games. Heading into the real part of the season, Anthony has to become more then just a scorer. He had only one assist tonight and that area has to improve if the Knicks want to compete for a title.
The preseason is finally over and the Knicks now move into the regular season. It all starts on Wednesday as the Knicks host the Milwaukee Bucks. Looking back at the preseason the Knicks finished 2-5. They weren’t their best but who is. This preseason they walked out with healthy players and that is always important. Heading into the season the Knicks will need Andrea Bargnani. Tonight and more importantly this preseason his aggressiveness hasn’t been there. The Knicks need Bargnani to bring an aggressive mindset each and every night. That will ensure a much more rounded team. But overall Bargnani should get it together once he is comfortable.
Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
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