The New York Knicks stepped up mightily tonight as they defeated the Indiana Pacers 92-86. This win stretches the Knicks winning streak to seven games as they continue to fight for their playoff lives.
This was a very close game early, but the Knicks would work a 16 point lead in the first half. The Pacers were able to battle back as they closed the gap, but the Knicks were able to make big shots and free throws to win this game.
Overall this was the biggest win of the season for New York. Their record is really bad and the chances of making the playoffs are slim, but wins always keep hope alive and they did that tonight. Carmelo Anthony made huge baskets late. His effort on both ends of the floor tonight were major for the Knicks and he stepped up for the team. Anthony scored a game high 34 points and also had five assists. He really looked to make plays tonight and it really paid off. The Knicks have had consistent play from Anthony all season. Tonight he performed for them yet again.
Amare Stoudemire has been a huge player for New York since being put into the starting lineup. Tonight he feasted on the Pacers and made huge plays to score. Stoudemire scored 21 points to give the Knicks excellent secondary scoring. He is looking really good right now and he seems to be enjoying being healthy again.
Roy Hibbert of the Pacers, played a very strong game in the second half. Hibbert struggled early, but was able to score 14 points in the third quarter that gave Indiana some energy to make the game close. He has struggled since the all-star break, but tonight he played one of his better scoring games.
It was also a very woeful performance by Paul George. He shot 23% from the floor tonight and finished with 17 points. He was in foul trouble during the game, but he was never able to get his scoring and playmaking down tonight. He turned the ball over four times tonight and really never could get the Pacers over the hump tonight. He is very important to the Pacers and tonight just couldn’t get it going to get a win tonight.
When the Knicks needed a play tonight, Raymond Felton made some marvelous plays. He beat the clock to make an unbelievable three point shot. And later made a huge strip on David West and also saved the ball from heading out of bounds on the same play. He really was big tonight and put together a nice game. Felton finished with 11 points and six assists.
This was a very important game for the Knicks to win. Their next three games are against teams that are struggling and they have to capitalize. Tonight they were able to continue their march up the standings and also won a game against a top team. Next up the Knicks will travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers in a game where they will want to win.
Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
No comments:
Post a Comment