NY Knicks: The Knicks limped into the Verizon Center last night to face the up and coming Washington Wizards. With a record of 3-8 the Knicks were in need of a win, before heading west to face the Blazer and Clippers. In the first half of the Knicks were playing well, with 16 assist leading the wizard 54 to 49 at halftime.
The defense fell asleep on numerous occasions, leading to some laughably easy buckets down the stretch. The previously admirable ball movement ground to a halt as they had only eight second-half assists. The Knicks lost their fifth game in a row, placing them at the bottom of the Atlantic Division.
The Knicks also continue to look baffled by the pick-and-roll and got victimized numerous times by Nene and Marcin Gortat. Gortat posted a huge double-double with 16 points (7-of-11) and 17 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass, plus a pair of blocks. The Wizards have a pretty strong starting five, but they are seriously lacking in depth from their bench, especially with Trevor Ariza out due injury.
The one bright spot during last night’s game was the play of Amar’e Stoudimare. Stats was five for five from the feild, looking like the player the Knicks hoped he would be this season. Something has to change if the Knicks hope to return to form. With Raymond felton and Tyson Chandler out with injuries, the team chemisty has fallen apart. Chanlder has began his workout and he’s traveling with the team. There is know time table for his return, at this point. Felton is day to day with a strain hamstring and hip pointer, his return is unknown as well.
Vernon McKenzie:PureSportsNY