The Knicks came into Sunday feeling good coming off the blowout win against the Bobcats Friday night. After Carmelo Anthony’s 62 point performance on Friday night the Knicks looked to keep the ball rolling and get their second straight win against the Lakers on Sunday.
Carmelo Anthony kept his great season going scoring 35 points to lead the Knicks over the Lakers 110-103. Melo did get a day of rest after playing the majority of the game on friday night. Melo scored 20 of his 35 points in the first half and the Knicks headed into the locker room leading 51-47. Melo would add 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and a block to his well rounded sunday afternoon.
The Knicks had quite a few bright spots in the game other than Carmelo Anthony. JR Smith played 38 minutes and had 16 points shooting 50 percent from the field. Raymond Felton had a season high 20 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 18 points to add to the Knicks victory. Quiet possibly the best stat line of the day was Tyson Chandler’s 13 points he had to go along with his 14 rebounds. Chandler had been out for the Knicks 5 game winning streak which was followed by a 5 game losing streak when he returned. The Center’s leadership will be needed for the Knicks to turn the season around.
The struggling Lakers got contributions for Pau Gasol and Jodie Meeks. Meeks had a team high 24 points followed by Gasol with 20. Gasol would also have 13 rebounds on the day. But it wasn’t enough as the Lakers continue to struggle without Kobe Bryant, dropping their record to 16-29.
The Knicks will continue their home stand against the Celtics on Tuesday as they look to continue their stretch toward the playoffs. At 17-27 the Knicks are still looking to turn the season around. With a very weak Eastern Conference, the Knicks are still very much still alive to get a top six seed and avoid playing Miami or Indiana in the first round.
Tyler Henry: PureSportsNY