Knicks’ Losing Streak Extended to Five Games on Super Bowl Sunday
By William Lee
73. Final. 96. 27. 101
New York Knicks‘ superstar Carmelo Anthony made his return on Super Bowl Sunday to face his former team, the Denver Nuggets.
Although, it did not make a difference… New York continued their struggles. The Knicks’ two top gun, Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis was a combined 0/10 from the field in the first quarter.
Jose Calderon once again was the lone Knick keeping New York in the game in the opening period for the second consecutive game in a row. Calderon’s long-range shooting kept the Knicks in the game, scoring eight of 11 points in the first quarter.
New York was down 31-20 after one-quarter of play as the Nuggets just had their way in the paint, scoring almost as much points in the paint (18) as the Knicks had total points… The frontline of Kenneth Faried and Nikola Jokic combined for 19 points in the first quarter!
The backdoor was open!
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 7, 2016
(And Jokic is smooooooth.) #Nuggets https://t.co/IjG8TyH5z3
Nothing was going New York’s way in the opening period … in a fitting ending… Arron Afflalo was blocked on the fastbreak with 4.9 seconds left in the first quarter… leaving just enough time for Danilo Gallinari to hit a buzzer-beater from halfcourt…
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Denver would lead by as many as 19 points in the first half, drawing boos several times from Madison Square Garden faithful. The loudest of which came when the Knicks allowed Will Barton to dunk the ball a couple of times in a row… looking as if he was practicing for the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest… this upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend. Barton scored ten of his total 19 points in the second quarter, finishing with his fifth double-double of the season by grabbing 11 rebounds.
Well, this has our vote for the first half's Most Thrilling Highlight. #Nuggets https://t.co/KR6aElBO18
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 7, 2016
New York though finished the first half strong, led by Anthony – who was personally responsible for nine points in a 11-3 run to trim the deficit down to 60-49 by halftime. Anthony scored six points and threw a beautiful alley-opp pass to Porzingis to finish the first half. Anthony scored ten of his total 21 points in the second quarter.
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New York came out of halftime with a renewed purpose, outscoring the Nuggets 30-17 in the third quarter. The Knicks claimed their first lead of the game with 4:39 remaining in the period on a Porzingis turnaround jumper, 69-68. Porzingis played phenomenally in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his total 21 points in the period. Porzingis collected his 18th double-double of the season by grabbing 13 rebounds on Super Bowl Sunday.
The #Knicks snatched momentum in the 3Q fueled by @kporzee scoring 13 of his 19. NYK 79 DEN 77 4Q. #NYKvsDEN pic.twitter.com/HPOOrU8wwP
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 7, 2016
One thing interesting to note, is that most of the comeback came while Anthony was sitting on the bench with four personal fouls. New York went into the last quarter with a 79-77 lead, thanks in large part to Porzingis and New York’s hot three-point shooting; knocking down four triples from downtown in the quarter.
The fourth quarter would be a back-and-forth game with six ties and four lead changes, but it was the Nuggets who prevailed as Denver went on a 11-2 run to gain a 97-90 lead with 2:43 remaining in the game.
Emmanuel Mudiay; who many projected New York to select in the 2015 NBA Draft, was the one that finished off the Knicks. Mudiay scored nine points in the pivotal game changing run, finishing the game with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Shooter's touch.
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 7, 2016
(Mudiay's clutch.)#Nuggets https://t.co/7zmuMFUBxZ
New York Knicks
New York was able to cut the deficit down to one possession with 42.8 seconds left in the game, with layups from Anthony and Porzingis. The Knicks also got the stop they wanted with 18.9 seconds remaining and once again… head coach Derek Fisher decided not to call a timeout for the second consecutive game in a row…
Last game,it resulted in a horrible Arron Afflalo turnaround fadeaway jumper in semi-transition… this time it resulted in a terrible Anthony three-point attempt with 11.8 seconds remaining in the game… With so much time left, Anthony should have either passed the ball for a better shot or call a timeout… let Fisher draw up a play (laughs).
Needless to say… Anthony missed the shot and Denver subsequently made all their clutch free-throws, sending New York to their fifth straight loss in a row. Anthony finished the game with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, but shot poorly from the field – going only 7/19 from the field.
Next: Knicks: Derek Fisher Wasn't Wrong For His Comments
New York will host the Washington Wizards Tuesday night, hopefully the Knicks can snap their losing streak and going into the All-Star break with some positive momentum.