Heading into Friday night’s contest against the Brooklyn Nets (20-28), the New York Knicks have won 5 of their last 8 games. Following a blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on January 15th, the Knicks have doubled their win total to bring them to double digit wins finally (10-39). With wins against New Orleans, Philadelphia, Orlando, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles, the Knicks have played with a renewed spirit which has translated to recent success.
Earlier on in the year, New York struggled to score points running their new triangle offense. Of course their are some growing pains when implementing a new offense or defense, especially when there is very little practice time during the season. Lately, the ball movement has been a lot better, and there has been a considerable drop in stand around isolation basketball. Players are moving around and looking for the open man, and the shots are falling that weren’t at the beginning of the season.
The play of the 10 day contract guys (Galloway, Thomas & Amundson) have really gave this Knick team a boost that was much needed. They play very hard, which has trickled down to the rest of the team. Langston Galloway is averaging 11.3 points per game, 3.1 assists per game, and 4.1 rebounds a game and has grown to be a Garden favorite. Aside from the Indiana game where the Knicks were playing the 2nd of a back to back and their flight came in late, the effort level has been great. Guys are hustling back on defense, helping each other out on the defensive end, and not giving up as many wide open shots.
Carmelo Anthony was named the ambassador for this year’s all star weekend. Derek Fisher has done a good job managing his minutes, and not overworking him. He has floated around the 33-35 minutes mark, and its done well for his production when he is on the court. In his last 10 games, he has averaged 25.3 points per game, and 6.9 rebounds a game. He will be looking to finish off the 1st half of the season strong going into the all-star break, and also have a good performance and maybe win MVP for this year’s all-star game.
The Knicks next game will be on the road to face their rival Nets Friday night. If the Knicks can continue playing hard and moving the basketball, they could steal a win in Brooklyn.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY