Knicks Knotes

Carmelo Leads Defensive Effort in Knicks Win Over Philly

Final Score: Knicks 100, 76ers 84

Record: 2-0 (1st in Atlantic)
Current Streak: Won 2

For the second game in the row, the Knicks did it with defense and solid shooting from the outside.

Carmelo Anthony has superstar written all over him these first two games. He looks like a whole new ball player with his work on the defensive end. He’s leading by example and the rest of the team is responding. It’s pretty to watch.

His effort was epitomized by his block shot/dive into the stands play in the second quarter. Knicks fans LOVE that kind of play. Reminds me of the Oakley days.

As a fan, cannot ask for a better start to the season.

Very big win over a division rival…. it’s odd to say, but we’re locked in right now. Everyone is contributing and it’s all just working well with each other.

What I was looking for in the pre-game:

Point Guard play - this is the luxury of having three solid point guard. Felton faltered a little, but Kidd was right there to stabilize everything. Prigioni, I know you love to pass, but sometimes you have to put that ball up in order to keep the defense guessing. How great is it to have Kidd be able to play the 2 guard position? So happy to have this guy on the team. I don’t want to make it seem Felton had a bad game, just a couple of bad minute out there. He played great overall again.
Defense - the “want” I was talking about before that game is there… it really is. And its strange to see that it’s all starting with Melo.
Chandler - looked a bit sluggish, but gave some quality minutes when he was out there. Rest up buddy, have another one tonight.
Three point shooting - another amazing performance from beyond the arc. The Knicks shot 40.7%, hitting 11 total from downtown.

Want to also point out that there is a really good flow to the offense. It’s mix of ISO Melo, pick and rolls and making the extra pass to find the open shooter.

Also, this love affair for Rasheed Wallace is a long time in the making. I remember back during the 2007 season, right before the trade deadline the MSG crowd would chant “We Want Sheed” during home games. It’s fun to see it come full circle now hahah.

Lastly… I need to say this. Amar’e would fit in perfectly with the second unit.

KNOTEWORTHY KNICK OF THE GAME: Have to give it to Carmelo again. Performed on both ends of the floor today - 27 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks.