Without Carmelo Anthony tonight the Knicks stepped up to defeat the Brooklyn Nets. This was a game the Knicks controlled from the start. They came out with energy and outplayed the Nets in every way.
With their season over, in terms of not making the playoffs, the Knicks did a solid job tonight. They were led by the play of Tim Hardaway Jr., who continues to have a strong season. He played very well on offense and made plays to help extend the Knicks lead. Hardaway shot the ball really well as he connected on four three-pointers. That has been a strong area for him this season and it continued tonight. Hardaway finished with 16 points to lead the Knicks.
The play of Amare Stoudemire was also strong. He continues to show signs that he can still play at a high level. Over the last few weeks he has shown that he can take contact and score inside. His health has been the question mark for him over the last couple of years, but when healthy he does perform. Tonight Stoudemire scored 14 points in 20 minutes of action. His role for next season is unknown at this point, but what he has shown over the last month has really been impressive considering all that he’s been through.
The Nets looked like a team that didn’t want this win tonight. They didn’t have the strong play tonight, but in the playoffs should be a challenge to defeat. Marcus Thornton was the scoring leader for the Nets tonight as he scored 24 points. Thornton has given the Nets excellent scoring off the bench since they acquired him midway through the season. His role in the playoffs will be huge. He can provide the scoring the Nets will need to move on in the playoffs.
The Knicks will finish their season tomorrow night when they face the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. The Nets will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland tomorrow night.
Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
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