The New York Knicks snapped their three game losing streak tonight against the Denver Nuggets, winning 117-90. After struggling in the first quarter and trailing by ten points, the Knicks really played a much better game from that point on. They put together full quarters of solid basketball and made the Nuggets uncomfortable on offense. This was a very important win for New York. They have looked bad over the last three games, but tonight played much better to get a win.
In 32 minutes tonight, Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points to lead the Knicks. His play this season has been very solid and consistent, and tonight wasn’t any different. Anthony made it look easy at times as he utilized his array of moves to create scoring opportunities for himself.
The bench was huge for the Knicks. Amare Stoudemire played well yet again as he scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He really has played well for New York since coming back from a left ankle sprain. Right now he is making the case for more minutes as his play has really been great.
The young guys were also important tonight as Jeremy Tyler and Tim Hardaway Jr were energizers for New York. Both combined for 22 points tonight and really helped get New York back in the game. Tyler really was important. He played with energy and ran the floor really well. He is someone the Knicks have needed this season. Someone who can run the floor and perform well on offense. Tonight was just another case for him to see more minutes.
The Nuggets started off really well, but quickly their offense and defense were nonexistent. Ty Lawson was one of the bright spots for Denver despite the loss. Lawson scored 24 points and was very efficient as he shot 53% from the field. His teammate Wilson Chandler also was strong tonight as he scored 17 points. Both Lawson and Chandler were really the only two to play well. Randy Foye was huge early on, but he faded away as the game went on.
This was a very important win for the Knicks. With two Western Conference teams coming up before the All-Star break, the Knicks have to start getting wins. They aren’t out of the playoff race, but they need to start winning games just to take the pressure off of themselves.
Raymond Felton had a very nice game after some very poor performances. He scored nine points and dished out eight assists in what was important game for him.
The Knicks will travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Sunday afternoon. That will not be an easy game at all, but the Knicks have to play with heart and toughness against a very solid Thunder team.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
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