Tag: sacramento kings

Melo’s 33 Points Leads Knicks Past Kings 103-100

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Photo Credit: USA Today Sports Images

Were you sweating bullets when Melo missed two free throws and Cousins put up that potential game-tying heave from past half-court? In years past, it would’ve been typical Knicks for this game to head into overtime. In 2016, the Knicks have the knack for winning close games as they overcame their inconsistent defense to defeat the Kings 103-100 in Sacramento.

MELO BOUNCES BACK: After a rough two days of deflecting Phil Jackson’s alleged “ball hog” comments and only managing 8 points in a blowout loss to the Cavs, Melo came out firing. He was 6/8 in a 15 point first quarter and had 23 by half-time. With Porzingis struggling, it was again on Melo’s shoulder to carry the scoring load.

Although he cooled off in the second half, he thrived from the free throw line (12/14 including two clutch ones to put New York up 103-100). It’s also important to not overlook Melo’s 7 boards and 4 assists. He made some beautiful passes out of double teams.

JENNINGS GIVES AND TAKETH AWAY: What an up and down game from Brandon Jennings in his second start. Offensively, most of his decision swere sound. He had 13 points on 50% shooting (5/10), and dished out 7 assists. But he also had some highly dubious moments. In the third with the Knicks up seven and trying to pull away, Jennings had back to back bonehead turnovers for easy layups. From there the game turned into a dogfight.

Worst of all was an airball free throw. However, Jennings atoned for his sins with two clutch ones in the fourth. Without him, we lose this game.

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O’QUINN AND NOAH: DeMarcus Cousins didn’t have his three-point shooting tonight (0/6), but he ran amuck in the paint to the tune of 28 points and 12 rebounds. But our tandem of O’Quinn and Noah made him work and put their own stamps on the game. O’Quinn was so good last night that Hernangomez didn’t see the floor. Along with 8 points, O’Quinn snatched down 11 boards (5 offensive).

Noah added 9 boards and 2 blocks, but his biggest contribution was at the free throw line. With 2:09 remaining, the Kings held a 98-97 lead and tried the “Hack a Noah” strategy. Noah made them pay by hitting both free throws and New York never trailed again. A moment like that should be a huge confidence boost.

COME BACK SOON, D-ROSE: With Derrick Rose out, our primary backup PG is Sasha Vujacic. I’m sure I don’t need to go into detail why that didn’t work out too well last night (3 turnovers in 9 minutes).

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SHOOTING WOES: I don’t know what is going on with Porzingis, but we need him to get it together and fast. Despite being 6/19 from the field (17 points), his 10 rebounds were a huge part of the Knicks’ dominance on the boards. This season has revealed that Melo cannot physically dominate every night anymore. For this five-game road trip to be successful, the Knicks need Porzingis to have a few 20-point games.

Last night’s win makes the Knicks 4-0 this season in games decided by 3 points or less. The Knicks head to L.A. on Sunday to face the Lakers.

https://youtu.be/kD8Nx_QVIcY

Unnecessary Drama: Knicks Blow 20-Point Lead, Hold Off Kings 106-98

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Photo Credit: USA Today Images

Tell me if you’ve heard this story before. The Knicks play well. The Knicks get a big lead. The Knicks then decide to stop playing defense. Said Knicks play a life and death fourth quarter to either win close or lose a heart-breaker. Thankfully tonight was the former, as the Knicks blew a 20-point third quarter lead but held on for a 106-98 win at Madison Square Garden.

A loss to the Sacramento Kings is unacceptable under any circumstances. And despite a bad shooting night from Kristaps Porzingis, the scoring and play-making slack was picked up by Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony and a season-high 19 points from Brandon Jennings.

SLOW BUILD: Early in the first quarter, the Knicks were going through the motions. KP was 0/4, and lackadaisical defense had the Knicks in the penalty with 7:49 remaining. Then Derrick Rose took over with 10 points and 4 assists in the quarter to push New York to a 26-21 lead. The advantage ballooned to as much as 21 in the second quarter before the Knicks settled on a 55-41 halftime lead.

CONSEQUENCES FOR LAZY PLAY: It looked like the Knicks might finally get an easy night when they went up 70-50 early in the third. But right on cue, the Knicks stopped playing defense, particularly from the three-point line where DeMarcus Cousins burned them repeatedly. At one point, the Kings were on a 16-0 run in just over three minutes. The Knicks spent this stretch complaining about foul calls and turning the ball over.

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JENNINGS SAVES THE DAY: Tonight we needed his offense and BJ was up to the challenge. He hit a jumper at the end of the third to stop the Kings momentum and goaded Willie Cauly-Stein into a foul on a three-pointer. Jennings attacked the basket for a few timely layups and remained a fourth quarter threat from long-range. His offense powered a bench that scored 44 points.

Ironically, Jennings’ best shot of the evening didn’t count. Check out this 70-foot heave.

PORZINGIS IMPACTS ON THE DEFENSIVE END: KP never seemed to get going. Cousins was physical with him early and that set the tone for a long night on the offensive end (6/18). However, Porzingis worked hard on the defensive end with 14 rebounds, and closed down the paint with 4 blocks. One of them was a crucial rejection in the fourth that lead to a Jennings layup and a 92-85 lead.

ROSE and MELO: D-Rose had a few too many reckless plays (4 turnovers), but as usual his attacking style paid off with free throws in the fourth. He simmered down from a hot 10-point first quarter, but remained a versatile contributor with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Melo took 20 shots, but the iso plays were limited. Not a single boo was heard and he even ended the Kings comeback chances with a circus shot layup over Cousins to make it 103-96 with less than a minute remaining.

https://youtu.be/VGOQGxDSOp4

BENCH WORK: Lance Thomas hit two open threes off kick-out passes. With this team, it’s looking like his role should be a “3 and D” guy. Willy Hernangomez had a nifty fake-out spin in the post that makes me think he’s been watching Hakeem Olajuwon tapes. Kyle O’Quinn continued his good play as of late — 4 points, 9 rebounds in 14 minutes.

NOAH: In 25 minutes, Joakim Noah managed 2 points and 5 rebounds. It was his first game back so I’ll cut him some slack, but we need him to get it together. If not, it’ll hard to justify his starting spot not matter the contract.

https://youtu.be/Bqxl6Yt-o4I