NY Knicks: The Knicks are back at MSG to face the Indiana Pacers, after the blowout victory over the struggling Portland Trail Blazers. No more talk about Mike D’antoni offense and how Carmelo fits. Tonight will be more of a challenge for the Knicks as they face the Pacers 25-16. The Pacers are fifth in the Eastern Conference and a possible opponent for the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.
It appears that the new voice has changed the focus of the entire team. Early in the first quarter the Knicks are playing with more intensity on the defensive end, holding the Pacers to only 14 points in the first quarter. Carmelo Anthony led the way with 6 points in the quarter. The team combined for 5 assists in the quarter – sharing the ball seems to be the theme.
In the 2nd quarter the bench led by Baron Davis continued to be a key component, providing that scoring punch. At one point in the quarter the Knicks led the Pacers by 20 points, not allowing the Pacers to gain any type of momentum. Jermey Lin was key in the latter part of the 2nd quarter. Lin would finish the quarter with 9 points, dropping a big three-pointer with 3 seconds left before halftime.
At the beginning of the second half reports from the Knicks locker room, Baron Davis was out with a strained groin. Iman Shumpert would see more action in the second half at the point. Then it was more of the same as the Knicks continued to dominate the Pacers. Steve Novak was on fire from downtown as the Garden crowd exploded on every made shot.
Another blowout victory for the Knicks as they defeated the Pacers 115 to 100.
Vernon McKenzie: PureSportsNY