Post Game Recap
In the last game of the season for each team, the New York
Knicks were able to end the season on a high note, defeating the Toronto
Raptors 95-92. It was a strong finish to a disappointing season for the Knicks,
who won four straight to end the season, even though they had been eliminated
from the playoffs prior to the last three. It was nice to see the Knicks play
with some heart and pride, as all four games they won to end the season came
against playoff teams that were still playing for seeding. Here are some
takeaways from the last game of the season for the Knicks, who will be watching
the playoffs from home like the fans.
Player of the Game: J.R. Smith
 |
| Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports |
With absolutely nothing to play for but stats, this is the type of game you would expect Smith to take an absurd amount of shots. Instead, he showed a lot of leadership in not only playing, but playing within the flow of the game. Smith knocked down 13-19 from the field, including 2-5 from deep and 2-4 from the foul line, en route to a game-high 30 points. Smith was a terror on the defensive end, getting five steals in the game as well to go with four rebounds and one assist. It was encouraging to see Smith finally get going for the Knicks the last quarter of the season, but it was too late for the team to turn it into a playoff appearance.
-Positives
The fact the Knicks had nothing to play for, while the
Raptors did speaks volumes to just how hard they played. The Raptors led by as
many as 19-points in the first half, yet the Knicks kept at it, keeping the
energy level high. In a surprise, the Knicks actually dominated the third
quarter, winning 30-17 to tie the game heading into the fourth quarter. The
defense in the second half was outstanding, as the Raptors were held to 35
points. It speaks volume to the character of the players the Knicks used
tonight that they were able to battle back in the fashion they did.
 |
| Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports |
Amar’e Stoudemire was able to play and make it through the
game unscathed. It was encouraging to see Stoudemire choose to play, showing
leadership that even he, king of the knee injury, could go out there and suit
up for the fans in a meaningless game. Stoudemire was a bright spot for the
Knicks this season, and looks to be a piece that can help them next season.
Cole Aldrich played heavy minutes with so many players
sitting this one out, and he put together a monster game. In 40 minutes,
Aldrich recorded his second consecutive double-double, scoring 13 points with
16 rebounds. He was a presence on the defensive end all night, accumulating two
steals and five blocks. Aldrich has shown time and time again this season he is
a competent rim protector and can grab rebounds in bunches. He should be given
every opportunity to be the backup big next season for the Knicks.
Toure’ Murry was given extended minutes once again, and
looked much more comfortable than he did against the Brooklyn Nets the previous
night. Against the Raptors, Murry scored 15 points, making 6-12 from the field
and knocking down both his three point attempts. He also added two rebounds and
two assists. Whenever Murry is on the court he has shown the ability to be a
lockdown defender, and with consistent minutes useful offensively. He is
something the Knicks should keep around and continue to develop as his
defensive prowess is a weapon they can use to their advantage.
 |
| Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports |
-Negative
Iman Shumpert’s final game of the season epitomized his
whole season. He finished the game 1-10 from the field, showing the maddening
inconsistency he has had throughout the whole 2013-2014 campaign. He was able
to help out in other areas, as he grabbed four rebounds, handed out two
assists, swiped two steals and had one block. It is nice that Shumpert can
impact the game in other ways, but his inconsistent play on the offensive end
hurt the Knicks.
This is the last time we will see the Knicks this season. It
is disappointing that is coming to an end, especially with how well they
finished out the season. It makes you think what could have been, as the Knicks
ended the game with a four game winning streak, and all the wins coming against
playoff teams. The Knicks were never able to shake their poor play from the
beginning of the season, and in the end have no one to blame but themselves for
missing the post season.
No comments:
Post a Comment