• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

J.R. Comes Up Big

NY Knicks: After a thrilling win on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks, Melo and crew were back at MSG last night to face the high-flying LA Clippers.  Although the Knicks have clinched a playoff berth there is still work to do.  If they win out the Knicks assure themselves of the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Although Chris Paul didn’t play last night, the Clippers are still a dangerous team. Gone are the days where the Clippers franchise was considered the laughing stock  of the league. The accusation of Blake Griffin, the number one pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, and free agent Chris Paul joining the team this season have changed the culture in Clipper Land.

Both teams played well in the 1st quarter, not letting the Garden crowd down. Carmelo Anthony led the way scoring 9 points in the quarter, helping the Knicks to a 24-to-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. Amar’e Stoudemire seemed a  little rusty and did not score in the quarter.

To begin the 3rd quarter the Knicks were clicking on all cyclinders. Offensively, the ball movement allowed for open shots, giving the Knicks the edge. At one point in the 3rd the lead was up 13 points. But the Clippers would fight their way back in the game, cutting the lead to 8 points at the end of the 3rd quarter.

In the fourth quarter it was J.R. Smith leading the Knicks, while Melo and Amar’e were on the bench.  Smith provided the offensive punch the Knicks needed. With 7:01 left in the quarter the Knicks led by 17 points. But the Clippers would not give in, chipping away at the lead, cutting it to 3 points with 2:28 left in the game.

After a timeout by Mike Woodson, J.R. Smith drained a 3-pointer to seal the deal.   The Knicks would go on to win 99-to-93.

By Vernon McKenzie

Graduate of New Institute Of Technology with a BA in Communications with a focus on Television Radio. Owner and Executive Producer of PureSportsNY

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