Knicks hold on to defeat the Bulls 83-78

The New York Knicks looked to get back on track after two straight terrible performances. Tonight they came out much better and more importantly their defense looked strong. That strong defense would allow them to blow this game open in the the second quarter. But the Bulls would fight back. After trailing by 23 points, the Chicago Bulls would pull off a solid defensive effort to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. The Bulls would force turnover after turnover to get back into the game. But some solid defense late and big time scores would lead to the Knicks surviving this game.

The Knicks would win 83-78 improving a terrible record to 6-15.

Leading the way for the Knicks was Carmelo Anthony. He played very strong early in this game and continues to play strong for the Knicks this season. Anthony went on to score 30 points and grab ten rebounds. Not only did he score and rebound, but he also was able to lead the Knicks in assists with four. He is a very underrated passer and tonight he did a solid job in finding open teammates.

But tonight the hero for the Knicks had to be Amare Stoudemire. He came off the bench and really provided energy early on for the team. His play over the last few games has really improved and his timing on his post moves are at their best. He scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a season high 29 minutes. He called for more minutes and right now is having success with his increase in minutes.

The Bulls struggled to score at times, but Mike Dunleavy didn’t. He would score a team high 20 points in 45 minutes. His play offensively was strong as he moved well off the ball and was ready to receive the ball off screens to score.

The defensive strategy of the Bulls in the fourth quarter really disrupted the Knicks offensive rhythm. They locked the Knicks down with full-court pressure and it really made life difficult for the Knicks to get the ball up the court.

This was a very important win by the Knicks, but they still had a bad stretch. They have to continue to improve on the negative areas. Tonight they played a solid three quarters and almost gave it away in the fourth quarter. Overall they have to continue to make plays and give effort every game.

Kenyon Martin made his return in this game and played fantastic defensively. Martin racked up four blocks and two steals in 35 minutes. He really provided energy and gave the Knicks a force inside defensively. Martin, who has been plagued by a left ankle injury, looked very solid tonight despite the injury.

It is worth pointing out that Iman Shumpert did injure his left knee tonight after colliding with Mike Dunleavy. The Knicks are calling the injury a “bruised left knee”. This is the same knee Shumpert had surgery on in the past. Shumpert left in the third quarter and did not return. Before his injury Shumpert had a couple of assists and steals in just 13 minutes.

The Knicks improved to a pathetic 6-15 and will face Boston Celtics on Friday night looking for another win. The Bulls on the other hand will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.

Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images