Post Game: 76ers 79, Knicks 85

January 12, 2012 | 12:14am

The crowd at MSG chanted “defense” and the Knicks responded often! New York held the 76ers to 79 points, their lowest total points given up on the season. The Knicks held the 76ers to just under 40 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle by nine.

Carmelo Anthony led the way for the Knicks with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Tyson Chandler had 13 rebounds, but he was even more effective altering shots. His presence in the paint neutralized Elton Brand and any post game for Philadelphia. Amare Stoudemire was efficient on offense scoring 20 points on 8-14 shooting while grabbing 10 rebounds.

Tonight’s x-factor was Josh Harrellson. The rookie forward from Kentucky scored 13 points off the bench and spread the floor hitting three three-pointers. Coach Mike D’Antoni also went with a shorter rotation of eight players, the least amount of players he’s used in a game all season.

There was also a scary moment that took the air out of MSG. Tyson Chandler was hit hard by 76ers big man Tony Battie and remained on the floor for two minutes while being assessed by Knicks trainers. Luckily for New York, Chandler got up, went to the bench to make sure he was ok, and then returned to the game and played most of the second half.

The win improves the Knicks to 6-4 overall and 3-2 at home. The loss drops the 76ers to 7-4 and 3-3 on the road. New York hits the road next to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, January 12th.

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Post Game: Bobcats 118, Knicks 110

January 4, 2012 | 10:27pm

The theme of tonight’s game was defense and the lack of it. The Bobcats had six players in double figures led by Boris Diaw’s 27 points on 12-15 shooting. Gerald Henderson also torched the Knicks for 24 points on 10-13 shooting. Charlotte put on a clinic from the field shooting 55 percent overall and 64 percent from downtown.

The return of forward Amar’e Stoudemire and guard Iman Shumpert wasn’t enough but both put up big numbers. Stoudemire had 25 points and 12 rebounds while the rookie Shumpert provided a spark off the bench scoring 18 points, grabbing five rebounds, dishing three assists, and playing harassing defense with two steals. Carmelo Anthony dazzled the Madison Square Garden crowd with 32 points as well.

Despite the gaudy numbers put up on offense the Knicks struggled on defense. The additions of assistant coach Mike Woodson and center Tyson Chandler haven’t yielded results up to expectations. Fans booed the team’s lack of defensive effort on the court. To make things worse, Chandler appeared visibly frustrated with his teammates lack of rotation as the Bobcats scored numerous uncontested baskets in the paint.

The final blow came when Shumpert limped off the court towards the end of the game after re-injuring his knee. Shumpert immediately went back to the locker room. Mike D’Antoni said the injury would be okay.

The Knicks have one day to address their defense before hitting the road to face the Washington Wizards. The Wizards come into the game winless with six losses to start the year. The Knicks enter the game with a 2-4 record.

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Post Game: Knicks 78, Warriors 92

December 29, 2011 | 1:33am

The Knicks were plagued by rebounding woes and a lack of scoring punch from their superstar forward duo. Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony shot a combined 8-27 from the field and combined for 29 points. The Knicks were also hurt on the glass as the Warriors grabbed 16 more rebounds led by former top NBA draft pick Kwame Brown.

Tyson Chandler came to Golden State for the first time since spurning the Warriors to sign a similar deal with the Knicks. Tonight, the Warriors looked like the smarter investors. Chandler failed to have any impact on the game from either side of the court scoring only two points with three rebounds and zero blocks.

The Knicks point guards also struggled. Toney Douglas and Mike Bibby combined to shoot 4-16 from the field, 0-7 from downtown, and eight points. With Baron Davis continuing to nurse his herniated back New York will need both guards to step up their level of play.

Despite the loss there were some bright spots for the Knicks. Landry Fields had his best game of the young season scoring 14 points and playing harassing defense with three steals. Renaldo Balkman had a highlight dunk that wowed the Warriors crowd and the living rooms of Knicks fans in New York. Bill Walker also saw his most extended action of the season scoring 14 points in 27 minutes.

It was also a milestone night for three Knicks players. Jerome Jordan scored his first career NBA points. Veteran Steve Novak scored his first points for New York on a three-pointer, which was why the Knicks claimed him off waivers. Finally, Jeremy Lin made his Knicks debut against his former team.

With the loss, the Knicks are now 1-1 and continue their west coast trip against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant will look to take advantage of the Knicks struggling guard play. For New York, Carmelo Anthony will get the ball often to expose the mismatch at small forward against Devin Ebanks. The x-factor of the game will be the matchup between the big men, Amare Stoudemire and Pau Gasol.

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