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New York Knicks Post Game: Knicks Blow Out Kobe Bryant-Less Los Angeles Lakers

By Kenneth Teape

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With both teams struggling mightily this season, the New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup is not as hyped as it normally is. The two historic franchises have both landed on tough times, as injuries and poor plays have robbed each team of big names and wins. But they still have to play the game. and on Super Bowl Sunday the Knicks picked up a blowout victory at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have now won four straight games at home, and a 10-38 record on the season. The Knicks have already matched their win total in the first half of the season, needing only seven games to get the five victories.

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Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony

Anthony put on a scoring show for the fans in attendance, highlighted by an explosive third quarter when he scored 18 points. He would finish the game with 31, making 13-25 from the field to lead the way. He also added eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Lakers had no answer for Anthony, as they had no defensive stopped to slow him down, or anyone that could match him offensively with Kobe Bryant sidelined.

Anthony punctuated his 18-point third quarter with a nice alley-oop dunk on a pass from Jason Smith.

-Season Firsts

For the Knicks, this was the first wire-to-wire victory on the season. The Knicks led right from the opening tip through the final whistle, going up by as many as 21 in the fourth quarter. This was also only the second double-digit victory for the Knicks on the season.

-Three-Point Barrage

The Knicks got it going from deep today, and was one of the reason they were able to bury the Lakers. The Knicks connected on 10-22 from beyond the arc, good for 45.5 percent. Anthony, Langston Galloway and Tim Hardaway Jr. all made multiple makes from deep to lead the way.

-Strong Defense

The Lakers were able to connect from deep for a strong percentage, making 7-16, but they struggled shooting overall. The Knicks were able to hold the Lakers to 20-60 shooting from everywhere else, as they were never really able to threaten the lead. Without Bryant and Nick Young, the Lakers were short on scoring punch. Rookie Jordan Clarkson and Carlos Boozer led the way, scoring 19 each.

-Amundson Keeps Performing

Louis Amundson got the guaranteed contract he was hoping for through the remainder of the season, and kept on performing just as the Knicks had hoped. Amundson led the team in rebounding once again, pulling down 13. It was the second time in three games Amundson pulled down double-digit boards, as he continues to do the dirty work inside and fit right in with the team. He also continued his strong defense, blocking two shots.

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

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