The New York Knicks defeat the Milwaukee Bucks, 96-86.
It was looking like one of those nights for the Knicks, were they were going to lose on their newly trend of not playing defense, anymore. But if you've watched this team all year, you knew if they kept it close, they were going to comeback and win it -- especially at home.The Knicks aren't going to such the opposition down early in the game, like they did earlier in the season. But if they can do what they did in the last two games, where shut down the opposing teams offense in the fourth quarter, when they have to, the Knickerbockers will win games. That's what winning teams do.
The defensive intensity turned up toward the ending of the third quarter with 2:04 remaining, when J.R Smith's three-pointer finally brought the Knicks the lead since the third quarter. Once Smith hit that, the crowd started to get loud and you the Knicks were about to take over.
Smith ended the game with 17 points and five rebounds.
Tyson Chandler: 6 points and 20 rebounds. Unbelievable night, for Chandler.
Because of Chandler, the Knicks began to play defense in the fourth. They feed off him, and he feeds off the crowd.
When you compare him to a Dwight Howard, there's no comparison. Chandler is so focused and such a leader, Howard is far-from that. Chandler is even the better finisher than Howard is, I believe.
Iam Shumpert: You would think Shumpert would still be a little rusty. Not even the case. Ever since his return he's been dynamite. He's gonna be such a pain in the neck for the opposing player who has to score on him.
I love the combo of Shumpert and Smith in the backcourt. Both bring speed, strength and defense.
Shumpert, 7 points and 4 rebounds. And that hair is getting higher and higher.
Carmelo Anthony: Just another day, in an MVP-caliber season, with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assist. Unbelievable.
Raymond Felton: Got us scared when he began to grap that right hand and wince. Felton sat down in the fourth, but came back and finished strong with a huge three-pointer that gave the Knicks the W.
Felton looks like he's gonna be okay, but you can tell that hand is not 100%, yet.
Felton ended with 14 points, 8 assist and 2 rebounds.
Amare Stoudemire: 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Stoudemire is getting better, and quicker, by the game. He's beginning to get his feet back. Not there yet, but he's almost coming back to his full return.
Stoudemire is scoring. And that's the most important thing. He's doing what he has to do to get by, until his fully healthy. But hes showing signs of improvement.
