Knicks Rout Heat in Season Opener

Friday, November 2^nd 2012

Post Game Recap

Final Score: Miami Heat: 84 New York Knicks: 104

Knicks Rout Heat in Season Opener

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/969/147/155291097_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75

With all the destruction that has been caused in the New York and tri-state area, there has not been much to cheer about and be happy about; the Knicks changed that Friday night with a dismantling of the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat.  The Knicks gave the 19,000-plus fans in attendance and anyone fortunate enough to watch on television a reason to smile, even if it was just for a few short hours.  The Knicks played a nearly flawless game, holding in check the dynamic Heat offense and never trailing in the game.

With Amar’e Stoudemire out for at least six weeks, the scoring load will be on the shoulders of Carmelo Anthony once again and for at least one night Anthony came through in a big way.  Anthony scored 30 points, but shot only 10 of 28 from the field.  He also added 10 rebounds, but the start he had put the Knicks in good position and set the tone right from the start.

Anthony shared some words for the fans in attendance before the game, thanking them for attending even with the rough conditions and showing his thanks with an inspired and energy filled start.

http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/13/2e/132e41f08fd2f20ab654a9920d3f22fa.jpg

Anthony shot 6 of 10 in the first quarter, going four of five from the 3 point line and totaling 16 points.  In comparison, the Heat scored only 17 points.  Anthony’s hot start gave the Knicks the edge right from the start and got the crowd really into the game, something that was a necessity against the Heat.

Anthony was given so many open looks from deep because of the continuous penetration of Raymond Felton, who is ecstatic to be back with the Knicks for a second time.  Felton, who finished the game with 14 points, nine assists and three steals, found the open man with ease and allowing the Knicks to shoot away from deep.

The Knicks finished the game 19 for 36 from the 3 point line, good for 52.8 percent.  Steve Novak led the way from deep, going five for eight and 17 total points.  Jason Kidd added three of his own 3 pointers and J.R. Smith joined the party with 2 of his own.  While Felton rested, Kidd and Smith ran the offense well also, combining for nine assists of their own. 

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/969/234/hi-res-155299076_crop_exact.jpg?w=340&h=234&q=75

The best three pointer of the night came during garbage time though, as Rasheed Wallace got his first playing time as a Knick.  The fans chanted his name wanting to see him in action and head coach Mike Woodson obliged, putting Wallace into the game.  The fans, already frenzied with the Knicks moments away from victory, blew the top off of Madison Square Garden after Wallace knocked down his three pointer.

Woodson preaches defense and defense is exactly what he got Friday night.  The Knicks suffocated the Heat for most of the night, as the Knicks executed their rotations crisply and locked down the perimeter.  The Heat shot only 35 percent from the 3 point line and held the Heat’s big three in check.  Lebron James led the way with 23 points, as Dwayne Wade scored 15 and Chris Bosh added 12.  The Knicks did an exceptional job on Wade and Bosh, as they each scored only two points in the second half. 

Next up for the Knicks is the first of a home-and-home with the Philadelphia 76ers Sunday afternoon.  The question heading into the game for the Knicks is will they have to game plan for Andrew Bynum, who has yet to play with his new team because of a bruised knee.