Knicks Blow Out Magic Despite Slow Start

Tuesday, November 13^th, 2012

Post Game Recap

Final Score: New York Knicks: 99 Orlando Magic 89

Knicks Start Slow, Still Blow out Magic

The Magic did not allow the Knicks to just walk into the Amway Center without earning a victory, as the Magic put up a spirited effort but still fell short as the Knicks came away with their fifth win in a row to start the season and once again by double digits.  The five straight wins by double digits to start the season is a franchise record for the Knicks.  The Knicks started the game slow but were able to get it together in the second half, especially the fourth quarter, to put the Magic away.

The long lay-off could have played a role in the Knicks slow start, as it took the Knicks a little longer than usual to get going against the Magic tonight. 

The defense for the Knicks was a concern in the first half, as they allowed the Magic to shoot 50 percent from the field.  This played a part in the Knicks being down for the first time all season in the first quarter, as it took three quarters for the Knicks to really get going and put away the Magic like expected. 

When the game mattered most, in the fourth quarter, the Knicks took control; the Magic scored only 13 points in the final frame and the Knicks ended the game on a 20-9 run.

It was an interesting night for Carmelo Anthony, who reverted back to his old ways for long portions of the game.  Anthony was berated and ripped into multiple times by head coach Mike Woodson for lapses on the defensive end, as Anthony was not hedging screens and overall just showing minimal effort on defense. 

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Woodson was also unhappy that Anthony was not attacking the rim like he is capable of, taking only 2 foul shots as a result of being fouled; the other foul shot was off a defensive three seconds technical. 

Even with those lapses, the Knicks would not have won this game without Anthony and his 25 points scored.  For as little focus he had on defense, he was in the zone on the offensive end.  Anthony finished the game 11 for 22 and also grabbed a team high eight rebounds. 

J.R. Smith was money once again for the Knicks, putting in a strong effort in the 3^rd quarter replacing the injured Ronnie Brewer.  In the third quarter alone, Smith went five for five, resulting in 12 points.  Smith is showing exactly why Woodson likes him coming off the bench; he is instant offense for a second unit lacking a dynamic player without him.

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Smith was the best player on the court for the Knicks Tuesday night, as he stuffed the stat sheet and put in a full night’s work on the defensive end of the court as well.  Smith finished with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.  Even more impressive was that Smith only had one turnover in the game, continuing to show improved ball handling skills and maturity.

Rasheed Wallace has been a surprise for the Knicks through the early part of the season as he has become the first big man to come off the bench; but with increased playing time his effectiveness has dropped. 

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Wallace has been a fan favorite every game thus far this season, but Tuesday night he helped the opposition more than the Knicks.  Instead of using his huge 6’11” frame to dominate the paint, Wallace floated towards the perimeter way too often, going 0 for five from the three point line.  Wallace was two for two inside the arc, as he has missed his last 12 three point attempts.

The Knicks will face their biggest test of the season thus far, as they start a road back-to-back Thursday night in San Antonio and finishes in Memphis Friday night.  This two game stretch will give a good look into the Knicks to see if they truly are as good as their 5-0 start suggests or if it was a fluke.  This is where the depth of the Knicks should come in handy, as older players might not be able to handle back-to-back games as easily as they once did.