Recap: Knicks 93, Bobcats 89
One of the worst defensive teams versus the worst offensive team in the league. The Bobcats offense is brutal, but it’s good to see the Knicks show some effort on defense. After a 6 game losing streak in which the opposition scored an average of 115.5 points a night, yes, 115.5 points a night, including 120 to the lowly Timberwolves, the Knicks were active on the defensive end, racking up 12 steals and 6 blocks. Clutch free throw shooting from Duhon and Nate Robinson in the final minute and clutch all around play from Wilson Chandler closed this one out.
Say what you want about Jared Jeffrie’s offensive ineptitude, but I’ll take 8 points, 5 boards, 3 steals, and 3 blocks on 4/8 shooting any day from him. It wouldn’t hurt for him to stop posting up and shooting contested jumpers, but this is what D’Antoni had in mind before the season started. After shooting 71% in the 1st quarter the Knicks cooled down, and the Bobcats slowly chipped away. Gerald Wallace would be an absolute star if he had a jumpshot. Wallace led a furious Bobcats comeback in the 4th quarter, but the Knicks held on to the lead and escaped Time Warner Cable Arena with a victory, with the help of a 7 point, 4 rebound fourth quarter from Wilson Chandler. Before tonight, Wilson had only made 15 of his previous 49 shots, but he got off to a hot start, including a highlight dunk over Emeka Okafor, and made his first 3 shots from the field. The inability to put a hand in Diaw’s face in any one of those three huge 3s in the fourth quarter was sickening, but the Knicks needed a victory, and they got it.
Augustin is going to be the starting point guard for Charlotte in the near future, and he was a steal at 9. He had 15 and 4 boards. David Lee recorded his 7th double double in 8 games, with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Mike Breen pointed out during the TV broadcast that he’s 3rd in the league in that category. Al Harrington finally took his own advice, and took the ball inside, only taking 4 three pointers.
The Knicks are learning how to close out games, and they did that on the road against Charlotte, even with a 2/11 shooting performance from arguably their best scorer, Nate Robinson. The Knicks take on the 10-21 Pacers at home on Friday.
(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
