(Photo Courtesy of Knicks.com)
The Knicks came into Friday night against a 76ers team who had lost their last 22 games. Losing Friday would tie the second longest losing streak in NBA History.
The Knicks on the other hand were playing their best basketball they have played all season long. In a week where they would introduce Phil Jackson as their new president of basketball operations and then go on to beat the first place Indiana Pacers, the Knicks were confident as they carried a seven game winning streak into Philly Friday night.
Feeding off the energy of Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks would take care of business Friday winning 93-92. By the half the Knicks were leading 41-36. In the second half, the started to pull away late and led by 17 points with 5:13 left in the game when the starters were pulled from the game. The Sixers then came roaring back when the Knicks starters entered back into the game. The Sixers were down by two when they fouled Carmelo Anthony with seconds remaining. Anthony would make one of two and gave the Sixers a chance to tie the game but the three point attempt was no good as New York would secure their eighth straight win.
Amare’ Stoudemire had a double double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Tyson Chandler would also have a double double scoring 17 points while collecting 10 boards. Carmelo Anthony had 21 points to go along with five assists and eight rebounds as the Knicks extended their streak to eight straight games.
Both teams struggled shooting on the night. New York shot a dreadful 33 percent in the first half and started off 1 of 16 from behind the arc. The Sixers shot 10 for 41 from behind the three point line.
Philadelphia was led by double doubles from rookie Michael Carter Williams and Henry Sims. Carter-Williams had 22 points to go along with 13 rebounds and nine boards. Sims had 16 points and 13 rebounds. Thaddeus Young added 21 to the Sixer total.
Philly’s 23rd straight loss ties the second longest losing streak in NBA history. The leagues longest losing streak is held by the Cleveland Cavaliers with 26 straight losses back in the 2010-2011 season. The 76ers haven’t won a game since January 29th. Philadelphia also has the second worst record in the league, at 15-54 only Milwaukee has a worse record.
The Knicks will look to continue their winning streak and feed off the coming of Phil Jackson as they continue to make their late season playoff push. The Knicks now sit three games back of Atlanta for the final playoff spot. They will take on the Cavs at the Garden Sunday night as they look to continue their winning streak.
PureSportsNY: Tyler Henry