The Knicks came out firing, having their best first quarter of the season against the Jazz and never looked back.
Everything seemed to go right for the Knicks as they took an early double-digit lead midway through the first and carried it through for a triumphant 131-109 victory. The Knicks' total was a season-high.
Toney Douglas was bombs away from long-range, hitting miraculous shots on his way to 20 points, while also dishing 6 assist. Amar'e Stoudemire poured in 31 points as well, but it was Carmelo Anthony who led the way with 34 of his own.
While the two powered their way through to combine for 65 points, it was the Knicks' defense that was praised yet again early on.
Also impressive last night was the play of the Knicks' bench. When players like Douglas, STAT, and 'Melo went to the bench for good in the third quarter, the team's reserves too advantage of some lengthy playing time.
Shelden Williams, who has been seeing additional playing time in the absence of Ronny Turiaf, led the way off the pine with 13 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing 6 assists. Roger Mason Jr. also made the best out of some additional minutes due to team injuries, scoring 9 points, handing out 3 assists and 3 rebounds. Furthermore, Mason Jr.'s defense was yet again on display as he finished with 3 steals in 25 plus minutes as well.
Anthony Carter played strong as well, with 5 assists and 3 steals. Derrick Brown also saw 12 minutes on the floor, throwing down three highlight reel type dunks for 6 points of his own.
While one could say last night was a team effort, the Knicks made it clear from the get go that they would be ahead the rest of the way. That same dominance is something that the team will need to carry with them as they finally develop such a killer instinct to put teams away, keeping them down, as the Knicks finish with more W's throughout the rest of the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment