The New York Knicks came out ready to play tonight. From the start the Knicks looked to take it to the Nets, who were a step slow the entire night. After a strong ending to the first quarter, the Knicks would continue that into the second quarter. From that point on the Knicks had this game, even with a sluggish third quarter. They would win 110-81 to earn their 32nd win of the season.
The offensive spark for New York was JR Smith. He played a strong game as he scored 24 points. His start to this game was superb as he scored 11 points and dished out three assists at the end of the first quarter. This was by far one of his best games of the season. He played under control and looked to play the team game. Smith also dominated the boards as he collected eight rebounds. His effort was there tonight and it resulted in the team winning tonight.
Carmelo Anthony also had a strong game as he scored 23 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Anthony shot 50% tonight in what was a very efficient game. This was another solid performance by Anthony who continues to play consistent this season.
The Nets, who clinched a playoff berth last night, were slow, stagnant, and careless tonight. They started very poor and that led to a deficit they were unable to cut into. They tried to make a run, but the Knicks wouldn’t allow them to get too close. The turnovers by the Nets really were bad for them. They turned it over 17 times tonight resulting in 27 points. That area really made it difficult for them to win tonight. They couldn’t protect the ball and that led to easy fast break opportunities for the Knicks.
For Brooklyn, Joe Johnson was the only Net that really had any type of offense tonight. Johnson scored 16 points in 22 minutes tonight. His play has been very important for them in them making the playoffs this season. With the deficit so large tonight his play was limited.
The Knicks won a very big game tonight. The Nets have played exceptionally well as of late. Tonight the Knicks looked really good as their defense led the way. The Knicks will now prepare for a tough test against the Washington Wizards on Friday night. That game has playoff implications written all over it, as the Knicks continue to fight into the playoffs. The Nets on the other hand will play the Detroit Pistons on Friday looking to bounce back after this bad defeat.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
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