After a strong 1st half effort, the New York Knicks could not keep up with the Suns level of play for a full 48 minutes, resulting in their 53rd loss of the season.
The Phoenix Suns scored the first 2 points of the game. After that, the only team that managed a lead in the 1st half was the Knicks. New York looked like a team on a mission, attempting to provide a watchable brand of basketball for their fans that have stuck with them through this forgettable 2014-2015 season. They were moving the ball well, and taking it inside with aggression. On the defensive side of the ball, the Knicks were able to cause turnovers which led to some easy baskets.
As the 1st half dwindled down to its final minutes, the Knicks lead began to shrink and the Suns started to gain some momentum. Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered an injury to his wrist, which sent him to the bench for the rest of the game. Is it just me or does this guy seem to get hurt every game? I am starting to think he is doing it on purpose because he knows how much he has failed the Knicks this season.
Hardaway Jr.’s exit was the beginning of the end for the Knicks, as they suffered from a short bench the rest of the game. Cleanthony Early was forced to leave the game due to an injury as well. It’s not like he provides anything worth talking about to his team; but it would have been nice for him to come in and give the other guys working their butts off a little rest. In addition, Langston Galloway and Lou Amundson’s minutes were limited in the 2nd half due to foul trouble.
Mar 15, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marcus Morris (15) protects the ball from New York Knicks guard Alexey Shved (1) and New York Knicks forward Lou Amundson (21) during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
With the lack of options Derek Fisher had to put on the court, it is no wonder the Knicks were unable to keep up with the Suns for the whole game. New York’s roster was already a weak one and not being able to get minutes out of 4 players made winning the game an almost impossible task.
My bright spot of the game for the Knicks belongs to Alexey Shved. He provided his team with 18 PTS, tying with Andrea Bargnani for the team leader. I’m am not sure what Phil Jackson was expecting when he acquired Shved from the Rockets; but I can almost guarantee that he wasn’t expecting this much production from him. Night in and Night out Shved gives the team everything he’s got, and has been a big contributor to a team that will take whatever they can get.
With Sunday night’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Knicks finished up their five game west coast road trip only being able to add one to their win total. Look on the bright side, at least they got one win. It continues to be a rough season for the Knickerbockers and their fans; but April 16th will be here before we know it and we can stop pretending to care about what the team is doing on the court, and dedicate all of our time to discussing the offseason. Until then, stay strong Knicks faithful!
The New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday night at 7:30 with the hopes of keeping the game interesting for the full 48 minutes.
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