Looking for a big time win, the New York Knicks welcomed the Indiana Pacers to Madison Square Garden. From the start the Knicks looked like a more energized team as they jumped out to an early 13-0 lead. That early lead would go away as the game went on, but was great to see the team finally start a game strong. This game would be very close from that point on as the Pacers would make run after run to stay within striking distance. The fourth quarter was possibly the most tense a quarter of the season as the Knicks and Pacers exchanged leads. This game would go into overtime as the Knicks would miss a chance to win the game with 5.2 seconds left to play.
In overtime the Pacers would take control and would dominate in overtime to win 103-96. Paul George played a fantastic game game late. He was held in check through the first three quarters. But late he was able to find his groove and never looked back. George scored 35 points to lead the Pacers including nine points in the overtime. He really was Indiana’s source of offense and really gave them a nice lift.
George Hill also played a great game as he scored 23 points including some big baskets late in the game. He continues to provide veteran leadership at the point guard position while also making plays for his team.
The Knicks lost possibly one of their hardest fought games of the season. They made plays when they had to, but some questionable calls really came back to haunt them. The biggest being Iman Shumpert fouling Paul George on the elbow behind the arc. That play will be talked about for some time as the Knicks never could regroup after that call. Of course they make mistakes, but this Knicks team continues to get terrible calls. Is it their attitude toward the referees? Maybe. But some of the calls have been down right horrendous. This game literally was one stop from being over, but that call would lead to the Pacers tying the game and going on to win in overtime.
Carmelo Anthony was really special tonight. His work on the boards really was inspiring as he grabbed a team high 18 rebounds. Not only did he rebound well, but he also was able to score 30 points. Anthony really worked hard tonight and continues to be the only Knick that has played consistent for the entire season.
Most of these games come down to help and Anthony had help at times, but also didn’t. Beno Udrih really gave the Knicks a great effort tonight as he scored a season high 19 points. He made shots and got his teammates involved. This was clearly his best game of the season and with that should lead to more playing time. Raymond Felton didn’t play in this game and Udrih filled in nicely for Felton.
Overall this loss really stings. The team played well and had control for the most part, but just couldn’t close it out. They continue to lose at home, now at six losses, and really seem lost in terms of defending at times. Tonight the defense was better, but like most of the games this season, one play could derail an entire game.
The Pacers continue to win and the Knicks continue to lose. This was an intense game from start to finish. But in the end the Knicks were the losers tonight and will have to look to rebound against the Wizards on Saturday. The Pacers will prepare for their matchup against the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
Tonight was a very uneasy game, but the Knicks could take some positives away. Beno Udrih stepped up. JR Smith scored a season high 21 points off the bench. And defensively they played strong at times. This was a hard loss, but the Knicks have to know they are almost over the hump.
Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
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