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New York Knicks Post Game: Carmelo Anthony’s Struggles Doom Knicks Against Brooklyn Nets

By Kenneth Teape

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88. 27. Final. 92. 147

New York Knicks Post Game: Knicks Fall To Brooklyn Nets As Carmelo Anthony Struggles Mightily

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets had an entertaining game Friday night that went right down to the wire, with the Nets pulling out a close win. It certainly did not look like it would be throughout the first half, as the Nets led on multiple occasions by double digits, but the Knicks were able to claw back, getting their first lead of the game with 2:56 left in the third quarter; the remainder of the game the teams weren’t separated by more than six points. With the loss, the Knicks are creeping closer to clinching a losing season, as their record now sits at 10-40 on the season.

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Player of the Game: Jose Calderon

Calderon put together an extremely efficient game, shooting 6-11 overall, including 3-4 from deep. He also added four rebounds, seven assists and one steal to go with his 15 points. Calderon has really begun turning things around on the court since the starting lineup changes, just going along with the team that has improved as a whole.

Calderon’s name continues to come up in trade rumors, and if he continues playing the way he has recently it will be easier for the Knicks to move him. His contract still remains the biggest hinderance, as that is going nowhere. But if he continues playing well a team could take a chance on him as he is looking like a capable starter again, and would be an outstanding backup point guard.

-Carmel-No

Carmelo Anthony struggled mightily from the field, and was arguably the biggest reason why the Knicks came up short tonight. He made only 6-23 from the field, missing all five of his three point attempts. He only reached 21 points because he was strong at the foul line, making 9-11.

This makes two consecutive games for Anthony struggling from the field, as his time on the court may be coming to an end. The Knicks and Anthony have always targeted the All-Star Break as a potential end to the season for him, and with it quickly approaching we will see what happens. This could be one of the last times we see Anthony take the court for the Knickerbockers this season.

-Lopez Continues Dominance

Brook Lopez has been playing extremely well since his name popped up in serious trade rumors, and tonight was no different. Once again coming off the bench, Lopez dominated the Knicks on both ends of the court. He was tough to stop offensively. making 11-18 from the field for a game-high 22. He also pulled down nine rebounds and handed out two assists.

Where Lopez really made his mark was on the defensive end, where he led the way for the Nets season high in blocks. Lopez had six of the 10 for the Nets, erasing multiple shots inside and intimidating the Knicks, who shot only 38.2 percent from the field.

-Strong Guard Play

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The Knicks and Nets each had guards step up with big games tonight, as Langston Galloway, Jarrett Jack and Joe Johnson all performed admirably.

For the Knicks, Galloway continued to show his diverse skill set, tonight grabbing a career-high 11 rebounds to go with four assists, one steal and nine points.

For the Nets, Jack and Johnson helped to combine with Lopez to push them over the top. Like Galloway, Johnson had a strong rebounding game, pulling down 11 of his own. Jack continued his stellar play against the Knicks as well; last season he set a career-high scoring when with the Cavaliers, and tonight he hit the icing three-pointer to seal the victory.

Next: What are 6 things to watch in the second half of the Knicks' season

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