Friday, November 2nd 2012
Post Game Recap
Final Score: Miami Heat: 84 New York
Knicks: 104
Knicks Rout Heat in Season Opener
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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.
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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.
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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.
