NEW YORK CITY – It never seemed as though the Knicks ever had a chance in their game between the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Right out of the gates, within the first 5 minutes of the game, New York was down double digits. This game really exemplified the internal problems that the Knicks are facing currently. The team showed no effort on the defensive end, and no communication on the floor. The Mavericks got anything they wanted all night in the paint, and from the three point line. The Knicks would make a couple runs to try and stay close, but the Mavericks would quickly make a bigger run of their own each time. The Knicks would eventually lose the game 87-107 and fall to 5-22 on the season.
The Mavericks shot 50% (42-83) from the field, and 45% (15-33) from downtown. Dallas also out rebounded (41-35) and out assisted (30-23) the Knicks. Dirk Nowitzki was the high scorer for Dallas with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Monta Ellis also had a good game, notching 14 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.
Carmelo Anthony filled the stat sheets in a losing effort. Anthony finished with 26 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Tim Hardaway Jr. had a decent game, adding 14 points and 4 rebounds.
Things don’t get easier as the Knicks have to face the (15-9) Chicago Bulls Thursday night. The Bulls blew them out on opening night in the Garden earlier this season. New York is 2-11 when playing on the road this season. With how terrible New York has played defensively, how well Chicago plays defense, and how ineffective the Knicks offense has been, it is a recipe for a blowout loss on National television.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY