The Basketball Palace: Heat make it look easy; Defeat Knicks 108-82

The New York Knicks faced a very tough test tonight as they played the Miami Heat. After hanging around in the first half the second half was a struggle for New York. The Heat would blow this game wide open and never look back. Miami went on to defeat New York 108-82.

LeBron James came back after missing one game due to a broken nose. James wore a protective black mask for tonight’s game. But the mask didn’t slow him down. James scored a team high 31 points in 31 minutes. He took the Knicks defense to school as he bulldozed his way into the paint. The Knicks had nothing to stop or combat James as he drove. His size and quickness and ability to pass makes him one of the tougher players to guard. Tonight he played a physical game, showing no signs of hesitation due to the broken nose.

James counterpart, Dwyane Wade, also had a strong game as he scored 23 points. Wade looked fresh and spry tonight as he took it to the Knicks. Wade also shot 77% from the floor in 27 minutes of action. Both Wade and James were huge for Miami. They came up and played a very strong game as a duo. Their teammates also contributed to the game to help get the win.

Defense wasn’t the Knicks priority tonight. Time and time again they allowed the Heat to just waltz into the lane and score. They switched at weird times and that led to open shooters. The guards were unable to either stay on their man or keep them out of the paint. This entire season the defense has been nonexistent and tonight was the same.

Carmelo Anthony was really the sole player that showed up tonight. Tyson Chandler had a strong game, but after those two there was no one else. Anthony scored a team high 29 points. He continues to play hard for this team despite his teammate not catching on. Tonight he was able to score early, but in the second half the Heat clamped down on him and his teammates couldn’t help.

This Knicks team is one of the worst in a long time. They only have one thing to rely on and that is Carmelo Anthony. Without him they are lost and have no direction. Tonight was loss to a great team, but the moral of the team is at a all-time low. The Knicks have the Golden State Warriors tomorrow night in what will be another tough game for New York.