The New York Knicks took on the Oklahoma City Thunder at home Tuesday night, and fell short after a single overtime.
I’m not going to make excuses for them, the Knicks played well all game and really got the crowd pumped. However, Carmelo Anthony sitting out for the game definitely took a toll on the Knicks’ scoring.
For instance, Arron Afflalo was forced to take 21 shots, but only managed to make six of them. It was a tough shooting night, but he still showed aggression. Unfortunately, Afflalo picked up his fifth foul, so a lot of pressure was put on his defensive presence as the game progressed. He did have a chance to win the game in regulation but missed the shot at the buzzer. Afflalo was able to score 17 points. Luckily, other players were able to produce in Afflalo’s stead, so his performance was kind of overshadowed.
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Lance Thomas took on a huge responsibility as well, starting in Carmelo Anthony’s place. He managed to go off for 16 points, while also defending Kevin Durant as effectively as he could. Since the small-forward position is so shorthanded, Thomas played a hefty load of minutes and fouled out during the overtime period. His scoring was pivotal for the Knicks, and his defense was just as important, and his effort showed.
Likewise, Derrick Williams had another superb outing, grabbing a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He’s re-emerged in the Knicks’ system, and, I think, making a case for Sixth Man of the Year. His energy and intensity helped spark a few fastbreaks that lead to crucial transition points.
Toward the end of the game, Langston Galloway also stepped up big time. Once again, he’s proven that he is a much better option at the point-guard position than Jose Calderon when it comes to crunch time. He led the Knicks in scoring, and hit two huge threes to tie the Thunder.
REPLAY: Big shot from @LangGalloway10! 109-109 w/ 1:28 left in the 4Q. #NYKvsOKC pic.twitter.com/DO7g7fv1CT
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 27, 2016
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Arguably, Galloway is the main reason the Knicks managed to hang on in the fourth quarter, which goes to show he needs to be put into the rotation a bit more, especially when the game is on the line. Calderon is getting older, and is becoming more and more unable to space the floor for the Knicks. Whereas, Galloway managed to hit huge shots from deep, and take the ball aggressively to the rim. He missed a free throw, which took the wind out of the sails, but he still showed up for the Knicks when it counted.
Kevin Seraphin and Kristaps Porzingis also managed to make an impression in tonight’s game, specifically with their blocking. Porzingis had a huge block against Durant that shifted the momentum in the Knicks’ favor, and Seraphin hustled back on defense when Durant drove the ball to the rim at the end of the third quarter.
Efforts like these, from the entire team, are good to see, regardless if they lose or not. The New York Knicks are now 22-25, and still making a strong push for the playoffs. If they can keep up the intensity, then the Knicks have a shot. They’ve already managed to compete against two of the top three teams in Western Conference, so they definitely have the potential to do big things this year.
Next: Kevin Durant Calls Kristaps Porzingis 'a Unicorn'
First thing’s first, Carmelo needs to stay healthy.