Knicks Fall To Grizzlies Courtesy of Another Slow Start

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Memphis Grizzlies vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

The poor play in weekend matinees continued for the Knicks Saturday as they fell to the Grizzlies 93-87. The Grizzlies, battling injuries and entered on a five-game losing streak, controlled the game from the start and thoroughly embarrassed the Knicks on their home court. Head coach Mike Woodson held the team to a curfew last night in a hotel room and the Knicks still came out with no effort. Too often during the game the Knicks looked listless and without any passion, not resembling a team that cares very much. It was too little too late for the Knicks as they didn’t get up until they fell down, trailing by as many as 19 points before putting together a late run. It was an embarrassing performance for a Knicks team that cannot afford any more letdowns with how poorly they started the season.

Player of the Game: JR Smith

Smith put together his best game of the season thus far. He scored 16 points on his best shooting performance of the year, going 6-12 overall (2-3 3pt, 2-2 FT). Smith was also asked to run the point guard position for the Knicks as Woodson decided against using a traditional point guard and Smith responded with delivering a team high seven assists. He also added four rebounds and an impressive four steals; he only turned the ball over twice as well. The Knicks desperately need Smith to start looking more like the reigning Sixth Man of the Year if they are to turn things around this season and today he looked more like it.

-Positives

Knicks Pull Out Double OT Victory Over Bucks

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Wednesday, December 18^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Post Game Recap

The Knicks made it difficult on themselves but they were able to come away from Milwaukee with a 107-101 double overtime victory over the Bucks. It was a hard fought, tough game as both teams did not put on the nicest of performances for fans to watch. Tyson Chandler made is anticipated return to the court tonight and was a big reason the Knicks were able to come away with a victory. It was a struggle but the Knicks were able to get timely baskets when they needed them and important stops when it came down to it. A lot of players played big minutes but the Knicks will get some much needed days of rest with their next game not being until noon Saturday at Madison Square Garden against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Player of the Game: Tyson Chandler

Morry Gash/AP Photo

In his return to the lineup since being injured November 5^th Chandler showed the impact he can have on the game. Chandler was forced into a lot more minutes than head coach Mike Woodson had hoped with the game going into overtime and not having Amar’e Stoudemire or Kenyon Martin, but he gutted it out for the team because he knew they needed him out there. Chandler’s presence on the court was noticeable right from the start as he controlled the middle as well as anyone could have expected with him not playing for six weeks. On the night Chandler finished with nine points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and three blocks. Chandler had a big impact in the overtime periods getting multiple blocks and intimidating the Bucks into tougher shots. Chandler looked to be suffering from cramps late in the overtime periods but was able to give the Knicks everything he could. His return to the lineup will give the Knicks a must needed boost.

-Positives

Poor Execution Dooms Knicks Down Stretch Against Wizards

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Monday, December 16^th, 2013

Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

Another night, another way the Knicks lose a basketball game with the final score being 102-101. The Knicks heard boos in the third quarter falling down 15 but were able to get back on track and actually take the lead in the third quarter, reeling off a 22-5 run. But they met their demise in the fourth quarter in the form of second-year guard Bradley Beal, who was making his return from a nine-game absence. Beal killed the Knicks in the fourth quarter and was also responsible for the game-winning basket with 6.9 seconds left as he blew by Beno Udrih to the basket. Confused looking as ever the Knicks did not use a timeout as Carmelo Anthony took his time up the court and took an awful shot at the buzzer that fell short. It resulted in another tough loss as the Knicks record falls to 7-17 with their next game being Wednesday in Milwaukee to face the Bucks.

Player of the Game: Beno Udrih

Jim O'Connor/USA TODAY Sports

Udrih is getting the player of the game not because of stats that will blow you away but because of how he stepped up for the team tonight. With 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter Pablo Prigioni injured himself and was unable to return to the game. In stepped Udrih, who played the remaining 22 minutes of the game. Udrih finished the game with the highest +/- on the team at +14. His final stat line was 12 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal and an important goose egg in the turnover column. Udrih did give up the game-winning basket, albeit the execution for the Knicks on the position was poor, and missed a free throw with 24 seconds left in the game but had a solid performance stepping up for the injured Prigioni.

-Positives