Tuesday, November 13th, 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 3rd 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.
