MSG, NY: This past Friday the New York Knicks took on the struggling Washington Wizards for the first time this season. Last season the Knicks appeared to have issues with the Wizards, as well as other “beatable” teams. However this was not the Knicks of old but a more complete, well-rounded group.
The complete play of the team helped take the Wizards out of the game early. New York managed to get 24 assists compared to the Wizards 11, leading to easy shots and earning them major momentum from the jump.
Carmelo Anthony led the way for the Knicks in the 108-87 victory. He scored a game-high 20 points in just under 28 minutes. “Tonight it was contagious. It started early…we got the ball moving and guys were making shots. The second unit came in and picked up from where we left off,” says Carmelo Anthony.
The bench, in fact, did play a huge role in the game. J.R. Smith scored 20 points and Pablo Prigioni scored 9 points with 5 assists.
Prigioni has had a huge role to fill with veteran Jason Kidd out due to lower back spasms, but he has reacted to the pressure very well. “It goes to show you how much fire power we have. For Pablo (Prigioni) to step up the way he is doing at the point guard position, it is fantastic for us.”
The Knicks once again showed their vast improvements since last season. Their ability to keep the ball and cause turnovers was noticeable as day in the game. They forced the Wizards to turn the ball over 17 times, where the Knicks only turned the ball over 8.
The Knicks improved to 11-4 while the Wizards fell to 1-13
“Our goal was to get at least 10 wins for this month. Obviously we did that. Anytime you can get 10 wins for the month, especially the first month, that is always big.”
Romel Lherisson:PureSportsNY