Knicks Post Game Recap: Second Half Letdown Gives Atlanta Hawks Comeback Win
Knicks Post Game Recap vs. Atlanta Hawks; November 8th, 2014
27. Final. 103. 125. 96
It was yet another disappointing night for the New York Knicks, as they fell apart in the second half and lost to the Atlanta Hawks. Tonight was especially disappointing because of how well the game started for the Knicks, but they were unable to keep it going and eventually lost. Here are some of the takeaways from the game tonight, as the Knicks lost their fourth straight, dropping their record to 2-5 on the season.
Matchup of the Game Recap:
The matchup between Iman Shumpert and Jeff Teague lived up to the billing, as they went toe-to-toe against one another. Shumpert put together yet another strong game to start the season, being the most consistent player tonight on the court for the Knicks. Teague took a little while to get going, but finished the game strong when it mattered most, finishing with 19 points and five assists.
Player of the Game: Iman Shumpert
Nov 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (21) work against Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Shumpert was the only Knick with a knack tonight as Walt Frazier likes to say. He brought it on both ends of the court, and was the only player to sustain the effort and energy throughout all four quarters. He continued his great play offensively, knocking down 50 percent of his three-pointers yet again and shooting 8-12 overall from the field to finish with 19 points. He ran the offense well again, even though he technically didn’t start at point guard, finishing with seven assists. He added four rebounds and one assist for good measure.
-Tale of Two Halves
The Knicks looked like two totally different teams tonight in the first and second halves. In the first half, the Knicks were lights out offensively and dominated defensively. The ball was moving well, and spacing was precise as the Knicks excelled offensively and it was reflected in their play on the defensive side of the ball. The Knicks took a 61-48 lead into halftime.
The second half was a different story, as the Hawks dominated. All the cohesion and positives the Knicks built in the first half went out the window. They scored only 35 points the whole second half, as the Hawks came all the way back and ran away with it rather easily, scoring 55 points of their own.
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-Melo Starts Strong, Wavers Later
Carmelo Anthony was outstanding to start the game. He was as big a reason as any as to why the Knicks got off to such a hot start, knocking down 6-10 shots in the first quarter for 14 points to go along with eight rebounds. He looked on pace to have another monster game against the Hawks much like last season.
But he teetered off as the game waned, as he finished the game with only 20 points. He shot 2-10 the last three quarters of the game, grabbing only one more rebounds. Once Anthony began struggling, the offense and effort from the rest of his teammates, sans Shumpert, went as well.
-Free Throw Disparity
The Knicks have been near the bottom of the league for plenty of seasons now in free throws attempted. They also give up a fair amount of free throws because of their penchant to fouling, but tonight was a little ridiculous as the Hawks more than tripled the amount of free throws the Knicks attempted. On the night, the Hawks knocked down 28-36 free throws compared to 8-11 for the Knicks. That right there is the difference in the game.
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-Work To be Done Defensively
The Knicks are a work in progress obviously, but there are some things that should be coming together quicker than others, no matter what Derek Fisher and his staff are implementing. The effort for the Knicks in the second half just wasn’t there tonight, as they too often lost their men on the perimeter, leaving the Hawks wide open for three pointers. They took advantage, namely Kyle Korver. Korver lit the Knicks up, knocking down 6-9 three pointers en route to a season-high 27 points. On the night the Hawks shot 9-22 from beyond the arc.