New York Knicks prove they are genuinely formidable this season – NBA Update
The New York Knicks are for real.
Anyone who says anything to the contrary after tonight’s game against Miami Heat will be laughed out of the room.
When New York Knicks and Miami Heat met for the first time this season, it was Carmelo Anthony, who led the Knicks to a 20 point win over the defending champions. The two teams met again tonight in Heat’s own den, the AmericanAirlines Arena, where they had not lost this season coming into the game. The Knicks were also without Melo this time around. The small forward was suffering from a lacerated middle finger in his left hand and was benched by Mike Woodson.
Apparently, the path was clear for Miami to roll over the visitors and avenge one of their worst losses of the season. But it was not be and guess what, the Heat didn’t even come close, not even after LeBron James erupted with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists.
The New Yorkers were sensational from the three point range. They dropped 18 long range bombs in the game, with a NBA season-high 8 coming in the third quarter. By the time the night ended, they had thumped Heat by a 20 point margin again, 112-92. All it took was some smooth passing, quick transition plays, and a belief that they could do it.
Raymond Felton was the star of the show. He hammered a season high 27 points, which included career high 6 three pointers, to go with 7 assists for Knicks, who had five other players in double scoring figures.
"It just shows what type of team we have, how good we are, how together we are," he said after the game. "Having all those guys out there, losing Melo in last night's game, and being able to come in and beat a team at this calibre, in their building, it says a lot about our team. But we're still not satisfied. It's still early in the season."
Practically speaking, the Knicks were not only without Melo, they also played with Amar’e Stoudemire, who is out injured. Yet, they subdued a team which many believe is the favourite to win it all again. The win will go a long way in re-assuring the Knicks that they can beat the big boys of NBA, and might just be the start of something special for them.
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