Clippers defeat Knicks 109-95

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New York Knicks 109-95 tonight.

After a strong first half the Knicks reverted back to into their old self as they struggled in the second half. Their was absolutely no production from the starting backcourt of the Knicks as they combined for just five points. This was very bad for a team who had their best stretch of basketball just last week. But now they look like they fell back into the same struggles that plagued them early in the season.

The Clippers really had it going in the second half as they had excellent production out of Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford. Those two really put this game away as they did damage inside and out. Griffin in particular had 32 points including seven rebounds. His play is really important for the Clippers now that Chris Paul is out for a while. Tonight he stepped up nicely and got the job done for the Clippers. Crawford added 29 points in 28 minutes of action.

The Knicks really had it tough tonight. Carmelo Anthony led the way with 26 points, but his shot was not falling tonight. He shot a season low 17% from the field. The Clippers played great defense on him, but he had some open attempts he just couldn’t find the net. While his offense wasn’t strong tonight his rebounding game was at its best. Anthony grabbed 20 rebounds becoming the first Knick to do that since David Lee.

JR Smith added 24 points off the bench, in one of his better games of the season.

This was simply just another loss where the Knicks failed to compete for the full 48 minutes. They continue to revert back into their old style of play and it is making it hard to find wins. Tonight they had zero production out of Iman Shumpert. His play this season has been very discouraging in terms of what he can do for this team. He has had games where he looks unstoppable, but he always finds a way to get into a bad stretch. His play has to improve because the team needs him. If he can get back to playing well, the Knicks will have a better chance to get wins.

The Knicks now have to face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday afternoon where they will have to come out hard and compete in that one. The Clippers will play the Indiana Pacers tomorrow night looking to get a nice win.

Photo Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images