New York Knicks Post Game: Knicks Pick Up Second Straight Victory
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New York Knicks Post Game: Knicks Win Second Consecutive Game Behind 27 From Carmelo Anthony
With how poorly the first half of the season went for the New York Knicks, the second half is off to an outstanding start. The Knicks won again on Wednesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, giving them two consecutive victories. The Knicks are now 2-0 in the second half of the season, as the consecutive wins are the first win streak the team has put together since they won the second and third games of the season. The Knicks will look to keep the good vibes coming Friday when they host the Orlando Magic.
Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony
Anthony put together another strong effort, helping the Knicks to their second consecutive game. It was a struggle at times offensively for him, but he still found a way to score a team-leading 27 points. His shot was inconsistent on the night, as he made 8-24 from the field and 2-7 from deep, but made a living at the foul line, knocking down 9-10. He also worked on the boards, grabbing a team-high 11 rebounds to go with four assists and three steals as he stuffed the stat sheet once again. Anthony came up big when the Knicks needed him to, taking advantage of younger defenders on numerous occasions for timely baskets.
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-Strong Homecoming
Langston Galloway has injected some much needed energy into this Knicks team. He has taken a strangle hold on the starting guard spot next to Jose Calderon with yet another strong effort on both sides of the court.
Galloway finished the game with an efficient 11 points, making 5-11 from the field and 1-2 from deep. He also added seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block showcasing the type of skill set that the Knicks liked when they had him in the summer. His ability to play both ends of the court is something the Knicks cannot count on from many players on the roster.
Galloway had extra incentive tonight, playing in front of a familiar crowd after playing four years of college ball at St. Joseph’s. The women’s basketball team from the college was in attendance to watch Galloway, and he didn’t disappoint the people that came to watch him. He also made a dagger three-pointer in the final minute of the game to ice the victory for the Knicks.
-Doing The Dirty Work
A big reason the Knicks were able to get the victory tonight was because they were successful in doing the dirty work. They battled on the boards, something that has been a notorious weak spot for the Knicks all season. Tonight they outrebounded the 76ers 52-43, and outscored them 38-34 in the paint, winning the battle inside which is imperative for teams that struggle to score.
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What stands out most in the rebounding performance is the effort that was put in on the offensive glass. The Knicks were able to secure 18 offensive rebounds, turning them into 27 second change points. Anthony led the way five offensive rebounds, but it was truly a team effort as every player who came into the game except Shane Larkin grabbed at least one offensive rebound.
-Unsung Front Court Heroes
Whenever the Knicks are mentioned, most of the talk revolves around Anthony. He is the biggest name and best player on the team, but they would not have won these last two games without some help from the lesser known players, namely the new starting frontcourt mates of Anthony, Louis Amundson and Jason Smith.
Amundson and Smith have been the starting power forward and center combination during this two-game losing streak, and it has paid dividends. They are willing to do the dirty work inside that many people would not be willing to do, and it has helped the Knicks turn things around the last two games.
Some of the things they do don’t show up in the box score, but it is things winning teams need and their teammates respect. Tonight the two protected the paint well, combining for 12 rebounds, four blocks and one steal. They also chipped in 12 points on 6-13 from the field.
Amundson and Smith, along with Galloway, have finally brought some stability to a Knicks team that has lacked it all season. As long as Anthony plays, those three and Jose Calderon should be the starting lineup every night.