Final Score: Detroit Pistons 79 New York Knicks 101
The Knicks made sure to not let another lottery bound team roll them over tonight, hammering the Detroit Pistons 101-79. The Knicks took care of business and improved to 24-25, moving closer to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are now 6-1 under Mike Woodson and are rolling going into a huge game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.
-Inside Dominance
The Knicks dominated the paint tonight, leading to easy buckets and a blow out victory. Tyson Chandler came out like a man possessed after back-to-back lackluster performances. He came out aggressive and took advantage of a small Pistons front court to the tune of 15 points and 17 rebounds. When Chandler is worked into the games, slashing to the basket for easy lay-ups/dunks and making an impact in the paint, it gives the Knicks an edge in their games. As a team, the Knicks out-rebounded the Pistons 54-30 and outscored them in the paint 52-30.
-Bench Production
After struggling against the Raptors on Friday night, the Knicks bench went back to doing their thing. Steve Novak continued his hot shooting, knocking down 2 more three pointers in the process and J.R. Smith added 14 points and a surprising 7 rebounds. Josh Harrellson added some much needed muscle in the minutes he received because of Jared Jeffries injury, grabbing 7 rebounds and playing good defense. It is also nice to see players at the end of the bench Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby and Jerome Jordan get some action.
-Amar’e Dominates Again, Injury Looming?
Amar’e Stoudemire had another dominant game, scoring 17 points to go along with 8 rebounds in only 25 minutes. He brought energy and intensity on the defense end of the court as well, having another 2 blocked shots and playing stellar defense against an over-whelmed Pistons front line. The only negative was that Stoudemire headed to the locker room towards the end of the 3rd quarter with what they are calling a sore lower back. Coach Mike Woodson says his back stiffened up on him, it was not a specific play in which he was injured. He will be re-evaluated tomorrow and will hopefully come out to good news because with how he has been playing he is an irreplaceable player for the Knicks.
-Carmelo Finding His Niche?
Carmelo Anthony went through yet another rough first half tonight, shooting 1-7 and scoring 7 points. He was seen smiling at one point as to say give me a break. But coming out for the 2nd half his mindset was different. The Knicks got him more post-up opportunities and had Anthony working closer to the basket, which made for easy scoring opportunities resulting in 4-5 shooting and 8 points in the 3rd quarter. It was encouraging to see him work closer to the basket because it not only makes it easier for him, but also opens up the offense for his teammates.
-Turnovers Again a Problem
At times the offense lacks cohesion, which is expected with a coaching change because there will be a time period needed for adjustments and new plays. But that is no excuse to turn the ball over 22+ times in consecutive games to inferior opponents. The Knicks had 14 turnovers in the first half; the Pistons just were not able to take advantage. Knick players at time are looking more hesitant and uncertain at times in the new offense, which leads to the turnovers. The Knicks need to fix that up heading into the stretch run of the season because better teams will take advantage of such short comings and bury the Knicks.
The next Knick game is Monday, March 26 against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 P.M ET. It is probably the biggest game of the season for the Knicks, who will go into the game 1 ½ games ahead of the Bucks for the final spot in the Eastern Conference.
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