Looking back on this game in June, nobody will remember that Jason Kidd did not play due to back spasms and Ronny Brewer sat out in overtime. It is unlikely many will remember that Iman Shumpert and Amar’e Stoudemire did not participate either.
People will remember this much though: Nets 96, Knicks 89.
After a terrible shooting performance in the fourth quarter and overtime, the Knicks continue their streak of poor showings in the second game of back-to-backs falling to 1-3 in such games.
For a great portion of the game, Carmelo Anthony looked like the Carmelo Anthony the Knicks believed they traded for just a couple years ago. When the game was on the line though, iso-Melo ensued, and iso-Melo failed.
It wasn’t just Melo, who played 50 minutes, to blame though.
Raymond Felton shot an abominable 3-19 from the field, scoring just eight points in his 42 minutes. It wasn’t so much as Deron Williams’ stunning defense as it was Felton missing open shots. An indirect effect of Kidd’s back spasms and DNP was that Felton (and to a lesser extent, Prigioni) would have to take on a greater role at point guard.
The only glimmer of hope from the whole game was Tyson Chandler’s grittiness. Put back after put back, key defensive plays, and an overall 28 points on 13 shots (screaming efficiency) was the reason New York had a chance to win the game down the stretch.
The Nets did an excellent job containing J.R. Smith, Steve Novak, and Carmelo Anthony down the stretch.
The Knicks will visit Milwaukee on Wednesday night as they take on the 7-5 Bucks. On the road, the Knicks are 4-4.
