NEW YORK CITY- Christmas Day on National television was the setting for the game between the Knicks and the Washington Wizards. Washington was 6-4 on the road, and 19-8 overall. It has become a tradition in recent years to see big performances against the Knicks on Christmas. This year was no different, as John Wall stepped in to accept the role of killing the Knicks on Christmas. His play showed the full maturation of his game, and becoming a superstar for the Washington Wizards. Wall made a highlight 360 degree layup on Jason Smith that showcased his extreme athleticism.
The Wizards came out on all cylinders, and early in the contest the Knicks were already down by double digits. They played from behind for most of the game, and could not ever seem to get within striking distance. Washington always seemed to have a three point dagger,or a key score from Wall to stop any New York momentum. Wall finished with a double double (24 points, 11 assists), and his backcourt mate Bradley Beal had 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Their exceptional play has called people to make arguments for them being a top backcourt in the NBA.
Washington is shot 51% from the field, and scored most of their points in the paint (50). It has been an issue with guards blowing by Knick defenders easily. This shows the effect that losing Iman Shumpert has had, being that he is New York’s best defender. New York also got outrebounded 45-36 by the Wizards, 13 of those coming on the offensive end for Washington. 6 players on the Wizards scored in double figures, which is a product of having 25 team assists. They showed in a 102-91 win over the Knicks the reason why there are a #2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Carmelo Anthony (34 points, 3 rebounds) and Jose Calderon (16 points, 4 assists) were the only bright spots for the Knicks on Christmas. Quincy Acy was ejected from the game for getting into a scuffle with Wall on a hard foul. This was the only bit of heart that the Knicks showed all afternoon. They just look like a team that is defeated, and don’t have an answer defensively for any team that they play. It was embarrassing the amount of uncontested shots the Wizards had at the basket. It is an issue that needs to be addressed by Derek Fisher, because the effort level is just not there. The Knicks next opponent will be the Sacramento Kings (12-16) Saturday night.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY