It was the season finale for the New York Knicks tonight. The Raptors would jump out early and take a 21 point lead, but the Knicks would come all the way back to take the lead. This game was sloppy and felt more like a preseason game with the lack of star power. The Knicks sat most of their primary starters as the Raptors played their entire starting unit. It would turn out to be a non important game for the Raptors as the Bulls lost tonight. That meant the Raptors clinched the third seed in the east no matter what happened in this game. Both teams would battle for this win in the fourth quarter. The Knicks would end up pulling the win out as they defeated the Raptors 95-92.
The Knicks had a fantastic game from JR Smith. His season was up and down, but the last month or two he was able to start playing strong basketball. Tonight that strong play continued as Smith scored 30 points. He also played solid defense at times as he racked up four steals. He played really well tonight on offense. He shot 68% from the field in what was a very efficient game from him.
Cole Aldrich continued his excellent play as he scored 13 points and grabbed a career high 16 rebounds. He also had a strong defensive game as he recorded five blocks. He is someone the Knicks will likely keep because of what he has shown this season. Of course he hasn’t played in many games, but when he has, he has played really well for New York. Tonight he put together a strong game and gave the team some excellent play.
Kyle Lowry was a strong presence for the Raptors tonight. His play this season has been strong for the Raptors and is a real reason they finished third in the east. Lowry would finish with 22 points in 26 minutes. He also had five assists and three three-pointers. Additionally Lowry was the only Raptors starter to score in double figures. Granted they all sat the fourth quarter.
This game had zero meaning for both teams. They competed and made runs like any other game. But it came down to offensive execution, which the Knicks were able to do, to pull out this win.
The Knicks season ends with optimism that the future is bright with Phil Jackson taking over as the teams president. Jackson has many decisions to make with this team. First it will be either keeping Carmelo Anthony or letting him walk. Secondly will be either retaining Mike Woodson or finding a new coach. Those two are the real big moves that have to be made during the offseason.
For the Raptors they will continue their season and will face the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs starting Saturday.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
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