The New York Knicks faced the New Orleans Pelicans looking to snap a eight game losing streak. This game for the most part saw the Knicks play well, but in the end struggles late in the fourth quarter would lead to the Knicks ninth straight defeat. Pelicans would win 103-99.
Ryan Anderson was the difference maker in this one as he scored a game high 31 points. Anderson was spot on with his shooting as he connected on seven three-pointers. His shot has been one of the best over the last couple of season and tonight he put on a show with his excellent touch from behind the arc. Anderson also would do all of this coming in off the bench. He really has improved as a player and with a shooting touch like his, the Pelicans have a solid player for some years.
Tyreke Evans also had a strong game coming off the bench. Evans scored 24 points to help lead the Pelicans to this nice win. He should be a starter, but tonight he did a great job in coming off the bench.
The Knicks played strong the entire game except for a poor defensive effort in the fourth quarter. That really was their downfall tonight. They allowed the Pelicans to get to the rim with ease and it was a poor team effort that did that. Not one person played poorly, but the entire team had stretches of poor defense. The Knicks defense would allow 48 points in the paint. Most of those came on poor defensive rotations and poor pick-and-roll defense. The lack of defensive improvement has to be concerning as the same issues continue to creep into every game.
Tim Hardaway Jr. had a great game tonight has he scored 21 strong points off the bench, including 12 points in the fourth quarter. He continues to play his way back into the Knicks rotation and tonight really played strong tonight. His shot was solid as well as he connected on five three-pointers. His defense struggled at times, but overall he gave the team a nice boost tonight.
Carmelo Anthony played solid, but was shut down in the fourth quarter. His play was strong through the first three quarters, but Al-Farouq Aminu played him very strong defensively. Anthony was held to just five points in the fourth quarter to finish with 23 points on the night.
Things continue to get worse for the Knicks. They continue to do things well at times, but then all of a sudden things change for the bad. This continues to be a low point in the season and the team is now 3-13 on the season.
This really was a bad loss for the Knicks who now have to face the Brooklyn Nets Thursday night. That game will be difficult simply because the Nets are playing much better. The Pelicans will face the Chicago Bulls on Monday night looking to continue winning.
Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
No comments:
Post a Comment