Tonight the Knicks stepped up to the challenge to save their season tonight. In what was a must win, the Knicks played excellent defense late to win this game.
This was a very close game throughout, both teams battled for the lead in what was a very entertaining game. The Raptors shooting tonight was very strong as they connected on 15 three-pointers. That was their strength tonight and that is what kept the game close. In the second half the Knicks really played a very nice game. They made plays on both ends to win this game. The Raptors were cold from the outside in the fourth quarter, shooting a cold 1 for 6 from long range. The Knicks made it a very nice outing tonight as they made 89% of their free throws. That was the difference tonight. The Knicks went on to win 108-100.
This game saw the best out of Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. Both were huge in getting the team points. Stoudemire in particular had one of his strongest games of the season as he scored a season high 24 points. His energy and work on the offensive end was beneficial for New York. The Raptors had no one to stop him and he feasted on them from the inside. He also dominated the boards as he collected 11 rebounds. This was a nice night for Stoudemire who continues to look very good as the season nears it’s close.
Anthony was the leading scorer as he scored 30 points. His play was much better tonight as he bounced back from two very poor performances. Anthony favored his right shoulder at times, but overall played a solid game through all the pain.
The Raptors were also effective tonight with their dynamic duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Both combined for 51 points in nearly the same time on the floor. They shot the ball well and continued their strong play on the offensive end tonight. Lowry, who only had two assists tonight, played a very physical game tonight. His defense was very solid as he put pressure on the Knicks point guards. His season has been very surprising and strong. The Raptors have a nice player in Lowry who is a free agent at the end of the season. But the combination of him and DeRozan could be strong for years to come if the Raptors decide to re-sign Lowry.
Tonight’s game was very physical with both teams committing 24 fouls each. In the end it came down to stops for the Raptors and they were unable to do that. The Knicks won a very big game, but the Atlanta Hawks are now one win away from getting the eighth seed. The Knicks won, at this point that’s all they can do.
Photo Credit: Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images
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