Saturday, November 17, 2012

Grizzlies Hand Knicks First Loss of Season


Friday, November 16th, 2012
Post Game Recap
Final Score: New York Knicks: 94 Memphis Grizzlies: 104
Grizzlies Hand Knicks First Loss of Season

The Knicks suffered their first loss of the season in a tough game against the Grizzlies Friday night, falling 104-94.  The game was tightly contested going into halftime, but the Knicks lost their composure in the 3rd quarter and the Grizzlies took advantage, going on a 19-1 run. 

The run was made because of self-inflicted wounds by the Knicks, who were whistled for four technical fouls on the night, three of which came during the third quarter Grizzlies run.  There were some questionable calls made by the referees as well, but the Knicks were unable to get past that and let that affect their play.

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Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Rasheed Wallace all had five fouls called on them; the momentum changed when Anthony was called for his fourth foul with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter.  The Grizzlies started their 19-1 run when Anthony exited, as Chandler picked up his fourth foul not more than a minute later and committed his fifth shortly after.

The Knicks unraveled in the third quarter, but were able to get it back together in the fourth quarter, cutting the Grizzlies lead that was up to 22 points down to 10, giving fans a glimmer of hope as tonight started to look eerily familiar to the Spurs game the night prior.  It was good to see the Knicks not throw in the towel and roll over; instead they continued to play hard and played right to the end.

The Knicks continued a streak tonight also that they will need to break if they want to truly contend, as they were outrebounded for the seventh consecutive game.  Zach Randolph dominated the glass with the smaller Anthony guarding him most of the night, grabbing 15 boards in addition to his 20 points. 

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The Knicks were outcoached in this one, as head coach Mike Woodson was unable to made adjustments in this one.  The small-ball lineup the Knicks have been using with Anthony at the 4 was exposed tonight, as the talented and huge Grizzlies’ front line took advantage.  They got Anthony in foul trouble and the Knicks were unable to get into any type of offensive rhythm with their top gun on the bench.

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Wallace had a strong game, turning the clock back and showing off an old school post game that is rarely seen in the NBA anymore.  Wallace finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three blocks, continuing to amaze with his play after being out of the NBA for two seasons. 

Raymond Felton had another strong night for the Knicks, scoring 18 points and handing out five assists.  Anthony led the team with 20 points scored and looked poised to have a monster game if not for the foul trouble.

J.R. Smith’s tough night played a role in a lackluster performance for the Knicks tonight.  He received a technical for a skirmish with Jerryd Bayless in the second quarter and then received a cut underneath his eye in the third quarter.   Smith finished with nine points and a team high seven rebounds, but the Knicks were outscored by eight with him on the court.  That isn’t near the worst +/- on the night for the Knicks, as Felton’s +/- was -21.

Next up for the Knicks is a Sunday matinee against the slumping Indiana Pacers.  The Pacers are struggling without Danny Granger, stumbling out to a 4-6 start.  This is a great opportunity for the Knicks to start up another win streak and will be the fifth of seven games in an 11 day stretch for the Knicks.

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