December 13, 2015, Queens, NY The New York Knicks did something they don’t do normally, beat the Trail Blazers in Portland. The last time the Knicks beat the Blazers in their house was March 12, 2012. In a game that got too close for comfort, the Knicks beat the Trail Blazers 112-110. Carmelo Anthony made six clutch free throws in the final minute that preserved the victory. Anthony scored a season-high 37 points which helped to stop the Knicks’ four-game losing streak. Anthony put the team on his back (figuratively) leading them to a much needed win.
Kristaps Porzingis scored 0 points in 19 minutes, grabbed only 3 rebounds, and didn’t record a block. However, the Knicks got strong contributions from Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez who scored 15 and 14 points respectively and benefited by the off-the-bench scoring from Kyle O’Quinn (14 points) and Lance Thomas (13 points).
Damian Lillard scored 29 points for the Blazers to go with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. C. J. McCollum added 22 points, and Allen Crabbe dropped 17.
The Knicks finished the three-game road trip at 1-2 and improved their record to 11-14. They return to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, before going on the road to play the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday (Dec. 18).
Professor Clifford Benton can be reached at @cliffordbenton.