The Knicks found a winning formula in Texas, and brought it home to New York - barely. After leading by 17 points late in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks nearly blew it Tuesday night. The Detroit Pistons almost stole a game that would have meant another night of misery for Knicks fans.
However, the Knicks hung on for an 89-85 victory, led by Carmelo Anthony (34 points), who made a key defensive play in the final seconds after being called for an offensive foul with the Knicks leading, 86-85.
The Pistons cleared out for forward Josh Smith, who was defended by Anthony. Smith was bottled up by Anthony and forced up a dreadfully short air ball. The Knicks rebounded and Raymond Felton was fouled with 6.9 seconds left. Felton made the first free throw, and when he missed the second, Kenyon Martin tapped the rebound to Anthony, who was fouled with 2.9 seconds left. Anthony made both free throws to make the score 89-85, and the Knicks breathed a sigh of relief.
How long the Knicks' good times last remains to be seen. But at the moment, they are on a mini roll. It was the third victory in the last four games for the Knicks (12-22), who are trying to dig out of a season-long hole.
Often the first game after a trip results in a letdown, but the Knicks were focused and energized after going 2-1 in Texas, and they reaped the reward. They dominated the third quarter, taking control by outscoring the Pistons, 32-17. That included a game-changing 15-0 run, which began with the Knicks trailing, 49-47.
Coach Mike Woodson called a timeout at that point, and whatever he said, the Knicks should record it. The Pistons (14-21) did not score for the next three and a half minutes, and the Knicks took control for good.
There was plenty of highlight-reel material for the Knicks during that quarter. Amar'e Stoudemire went baseline for a ferocious reverse dunk, spinning around center Andre Drummond and leaving him flat-footed.
There was a hustle play by Felton, who lost control of his dribble, but dove on the floor to regain control of the basketball. Felton then passed from a prone position to Anthony, who drained a 3-pointer.
Anthony was feeling it, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers during that 15-0 run. This was a game when Anthony did not feel compelled to force shots, with the Knicks getting good looks, creating offense with their defense and sharing the basketball.
Late in the third quarter, the Knicks' lead had ballooned to 69-52, and there was reason to think they might waltz to a victory.
But these are the Knicks, and this is the N.B.A. The Pistons got to within 83-77 with four and a half minutes to play.
Then, after Anthony shot an air ball after being defended tightly by Smith, Kyle Singler hit a 3-pointer from the corner to pull the Pistons to within 83-80 with 3 minutes 20 seconds left.
After a Knicks timeout, Anthony missed a long 3-pointer after the offensive set broke down. But on the Pistons' next possession, Felton played tough defense and forced Brandon Jennings into a wild air ball, leading to a 24-second violation.
Given another chance, Anthony drilled a 3-pointer to put the Knicks ahead, 86-80, with two minutes to play.
Smith answered with a 3-pointer, pulling the Pistons to within 86-83. After Felton had his dribble stripped by Jennings, Felton was forced to foul Drummond with 1:24 left to prevent a breakaway layup. Drummond made one of two to make the score 86-84. Then Felton lost the ball again on a drive, setting up the frantic final moments.
Considering that the Knicks had lost four straight at home, this was not a win they could take for granted. The halftime score was 41-41, after the Knicks saw an 8-point first quarter lead disappear. Anthony led all first-half scorers with 14 points, but it was a struggle for the Knicks offensively. They made just four of nine free throws in the half - a statistic they hoped would not haunt them later. They also hoisted 16 3-point attempts in the first half and made just 5.
With center Tyson Chandler (upper respiratory infection) not playing, the Knicks missed his interior defense and rebounding. But they prevailed, setting up an interesting measuring-stick game Thursday night when they host the Miami Heat.
REBOUNDS
Metta World Peace had platelet-rich plasma therapy on his injured left knee Monday and was pleased with the results, although no timetable was given for his return. 'I heal faster than some young guys, which is kind of crazy,' World Peace said. 'I'm not on H.G.H. Test me. Just like Floyd Mayweather said. I'll take the test. I guess 'cause I'm sexy. Most sexy people heal fast.'... Coach Mike Woodson hopes Tyson Chandler will play Thursday against the Heat.
Posted by Unknown on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
0 comments "Felton Returns, and Suddenly Surging Knicks Win Again"
Post a Comment