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New York Knicks Highlights: Knicks Beat Philadelphia 76ers In Tank Bowl 2015

By Kenneth Teape

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93. Final. 101. 27. 91

New York Knicks Highlights: Knicks Defeat Philadelphia 76ers, Snapping 9-Game Losing Streak

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers faced off Sunday night for the last time this season. If the Knicks played a full schedule against the 76ers, they would be one of the best teams in the NBA, as three of their 16 wins on the season have come against them. Even with the victory tonight, the Knicks still hold a 2.5 game edge for last place in the NBA, which means the most ping pong balls come NBA Draft Lottery time.

Tonight the Knicks got strong performances from a couple of different players to end their nine-game losing streak. At the forefront was Andrea Bargnani, who had a strong impact on both ends of the court. Bargnani was easily the best player on the court tonight, and he showed why.

He stuffed the stat sheet in every facet of the game, scoring a game-high 25 points with eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks. The 76ers have no one that could slow down Bargnani, who scored from all over the court, making 8-15 overall, including 2-3 from deep, and 7-8 from the charity stripe.

Bargnani got some help in the starting lineup from Shane Larkin as well, who had arguably the best game of his career Sunday against the 76ers. Larkin was all over the court in his 41 minutes, scoring 15 points to go with a career-high 11 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Larkin has been a project of head coach Derek Fisher’s for the season, and that work and patience is beginning to pay off as Larkin’s confidence is sky rocketing, equaling better results on the court.

This is only the second time in his career that Larkin has scored in double-digits in consecutive games, as he is closing this season very strong. The Knicks would be smart to try and bring Larkin back as he brings a lot to the table they had been lacking; youth, athleticism and the ability to get to the basket.

Larkin was tied with Bargnani for the team lead in free throw attempts Sunday, making 7-8 as well. Larkin’s ability to break down the defense and get to the rim is something they sorely lack if Jose Calderon is brought back as the starting point guard. Larkin would be a great compliment as a backup behind him.

Tonight the foul line was the Knicks’ friend, which has been a rare occurrence for a long time. Tonight, the Knicks attempted 29 free throws, connecting on 24 for an 82.9 percent clip. The 76ers on the other hand attempted only eight, making five for 62.5 percent.

That low amount of free throw attempts are usually comes with not being aggressive. That would not explain it tonight for the 76ers, as they tried to score at the rim, the Knicks just continuously denied them. The Knicks protected the paint so well that their rough and tough teams of the 90’s would be proud, as they blocked 14 shots, one shy of the franchise record.

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Bargnani and Jason Smith led the way with four each, while Louis Amundson added three of his own. That helped play a role in the Knicks holding the 76ers to 38.4 percent shooting on the night.

The Knicks will continue their path to the end of their season Wednesday when they will be hosting the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers, who just had Paul George return and are fighting for a playoff spot, will bring their all in trying to knock off the Knicks. Can the Knicks play spoilers Wednesday night? You will have to check in and see when the Knicks host the Pacers Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET at Madison Square Garden.

Next: Who is the best PG for the Knicks all-time?

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