The Los Angeles Clippers hosted the New York Knicks tonight at the Staples Center. The Knicks were looking to snap a six game losing streak tonight, but in the end would fall short as they couldn’t contain the Clippers offense. Early in the game the Knicks and Clippers battled for the lead, but the Clippers would pull away in the fourth quarter leading to the win.
Chris Paul had a fantastic game before he left with a strained right hamstring. Paul scored 15 points and dished out seven assists. He made the game look real easy as he picked apart the Knicks defense. His passes and ability to see the entire floor really showcase how great a player he is. Tonight he also was able to draw fouls and play a very smooth game. He is the best point guard in the league and tonight showed just a little bit of that.
Blake Griffin had a slow start but would come on strong in the second half as he finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Griffin was in foul trouble early but that wouldn’t matter in the end. He really used his quickness in situations to get easy baskets. He continues to show signs of being a dominate player, but is very inconsistent with his game. If he can get a consistent shot and be a threat offensively, then he could take the next step at being a great player.
For the Knicks Carmelo Anthony and Andrea Bargnani were the two main offensive players tonight. Anthony scored a team high 27 points while Bargnani scored 20 points. Both were huge in keeping the team in the game. Anthony in particular has played outstanding this season and is really the lone player who is playing really well. Defensively Bargnani has played better, but that is an area where he isn’t consistent at.
Kenyon Martin also played well as he scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds, and also dished out five assists. Martin, who is seeing and increase in minutes, has played very well since joining the starting lineup. Tonight he helped, but foul trouble would limit him in the second half. If Martin can continue to play at this level his role will be important in the teams success.
Two Knicks who had woeful games tonight were Iman Shumpert and JR Smith. They played very bad at times each were bad in their own rights. Smith took careless shots that really took away the Knicks momentum. He did hit some shots in the second half, but would turn the ball over in key moments. Shumpert just looks lost and not himself. He struggled with his shot and defense. He looks slow and off on his shot. The Knicks should be concerned with Shumpert simply because he looks like a totally different guy.
Overall the Knicks have to find the spark that will get them out of this hole. Tonight they fell short yet again and continue to lose games. The Clippers on the other hand are improving game by game and are starting to get into their groove.
The Knicks will continue their road trip as they face the Nuggets on Friday night while the Clippers will play the Kings.
Photo Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
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