NY MSG: The Knicks were back at Madison Square Garden on Sunday to host the Philadelphia 76ers. Over the summer the 76ers added former Los Angeles Lakers Center Andrew Bynum to their roster. Bynum will not play in today’s game, he’s out with a left knee injury.
It was all about ball movement for Knicks in the first quarter. Coach Mike Woodson has made it apparent that sharing the ball will be a very key component of the Knicks offense this season. It appears Carmelo Anthony has made the commitment as well. In the last two games he as dished out eight assist.
The Knicks led by Jayson Kidd’s court savvy, were able to keep the 76ers off balance throughout the second quarter. Steve Novack and JR Smith added the punch of the bench, combining for 13 point in the first half. The Knicks led the 76ers by 13 points at the half 57 to 44.
It was more of the same in the 3rd quarter, as the Knicks defensive intensity frustrated the young 76ers team. Carmelo Anthony appears to be committed to playing defense this season. Melo had two block shots and two steals in the first half.
JR Smith caught fire in the 3rd quarter with back-to-back three pointers, pushing the Knicks lead to 13 points at the end of the third quarter.
The 76ers are a scrappy team which reflects the leadership in their head coach Doug Collins. With 4:50 left in the fourth quarter, the 76ers cut the Knicks lead to 10 points. But the Knicks were able to withstand the push, defeating the young 76ers 100 to 84.
Vernon McKenzie: PureSportNY
The knicks are starting the season rather strong hope they keep up the good work. The new Forward Chris Copeland is hotttt plus i think he is a good look on the knicks.