NEW YORK CITY- “It’s a lot easier to talk to you guys after a win,” Iman Shumpert said jokingly in the locker room to reporters. But Shumpert’s comment is fitting for how things have been for the Knicks thus far. The Knicks have been feeling the pressure from both fans and the media for their lackluster start to the 2014-15 season. For a sellout crowd of 19,812 fans, the winless Philadelphia 76ers came into town Saturday night trying to turn things around themselves. They too have been feeling the heat, drawing comments that the University of Kentucky basketball team could compete and beat them right now.
Yesterday’s performance by the 76ers didn’t do much to state their case, as they fell to the struggling Knicks 91-83. This makes 13 straight losses to start the season for the 76ers. New York did a great job of playing team defense for 4 quarters. They held the 76ers to under double digits in 3 pointers made (8) and held them to 40% (30-75) shooting from the field on the night. The Knicks looked fresh out on the court, and were active on defense which was great to see. Players were actively in passing lanes, and looking to help each other early and often. Even though the 76ers still got to the line 25 times, they only converted on 15 attempts. In spurts, the Knicks showed that they could play without fouling, without lowering their effort level.
Nerlens Noel had a good game for the 76ers, leading them with a double double (17 points,12 rebounds). Noel did his damage on the offensive glass, which has plagued the Knicks going back to last year. The Knicks were up 20+ in the 2nd half, but let the 76ers climb back into the game. Behind Robert Covington (14 points,4-4 3PM-A) who got hot in the 2nd half, the 76ers pulled to within 8 points in the 4th quarter before timely buckets by Carmelo Anthony sealed the game.
Anthony finished the game with 25 points and 7 rebounds. He electrified the Garden on plenty of occasions, which was great to see since Knicks fans have had little to cheer about. Amar’e Stoudemire also had a good game, adding a double double of his own (16 points,11 rebounds). Jose Calderon made his first appearance back of the season in limited minutes (21). He had 3 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. It was interesting to see how much more in control the Knicks looked out there with Calderon as the floor general. Calderon spoke about how his game speed conditioning is still not 100%, but that there was nothing to worry about with his calf.
The Knicks are now 3-5 at home, and have won 2 of their last 4 games to bring them to a 4-10 record. Last night they made strides towards consistently playing winning basketball, even if it was the winless 76ers. It was a total team effort, as they had everyone except Travis Wear score. They also out rebounded the 76ers 40-26, which has been one of the few strengths of the Knicks so far this season. They will need to play with the same energy and effort, because their next opponent is the Houston Rockets (10-3). The Rockets have won 4 of their last 6 games, and the Knicks are 1-5 on the road.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY