Recap: Mavs 99 Knicks 94
A game that I thought was over before it even started actually turned out to be a winnable game. In the preview, I mentioned that if the Knicks did not stop Dirk, they would have no chance. Well, I was wrong and the Knicks lost anyway. 2 of 5 at the half and ending with only 10 points on 3-13 shooting, Dirk was not the killer. Instead it was Antoine Wright in the first and Jason Kidd miraculously finding his 3 point shot in the second half that helped sink the visiting team.
But like most other games that they have lost, the Knicks really beat themselves tonight. As D’Antoni said in the post-game, you cannot shoot 41% from the field and expect to beat a team like the Mavs.
Starting 9-9 in the first half, Chris Duhon appeared to be geared up for a career scoring night. His final line: 10-14. Nate shot 4-16, and only 1-9 from beyond the arc. He is an abysmal 3 for his last 30 in the past five games. Al shot 5-18. Thomas shot 4-12. Just not a good second half shooting the ball.
The Knicks made their run early, and the real turning point in this game was the second Eddy Curry took the floor. An 11 point lead dwindled with him out there (not necessarily because he was out there).
Speaking of Curry, for those who missed his return, you did not miss much. He played under 3 minutes, scored 2 points and grabbed 2 rebounds. He looked like he was hustling, which was a good sign, but he looked very slow, very winded, and looked as though he had no lift yet in his legs. On his two points, he made a lay-up on a play that the Eddy Curry of old would have shaken the rim on. But his performance was understandable being as how he has not seen game action since the pre-season. Curry not only has to get into better shape, but he has to regain his reactions on the court. Both of those things will hopefully come with some more practice and playing time.
Tough loss in a game that we could have won. Given their overall lack of defensive effort, the Knicks live and die by their shooting percentages. Tonight was no different.
(AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
About Chris Alvino
Chris Alvino grew up in Crestwood, NY. He graduated from Regis High School in 2005. There he played both basketball and baseball. Chris is currently a student at Boston College, where he practices with the varsity Women's Basketball Team (... seriously). Chris has been a Knicks' fan for years and can literally talk about them all day long, every day of the week. Chris enjoys writing on this blog and seeing what everyone out there has to say about it. View all posts by Chris Alvino →-
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