If the Knicks were having somewhat of a consistent season a loss of this manner could be considered tolerable. With tonight's 110-108 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks the Knicks fall to an embarrassing 21-36. The Knicks are a veteran team that came into the season with high expectations. With that considered a loss like this is not a moral victory. Its a gut wrenching slap in the face when your clawing for a playoff spot.
New York trailed by eight with 1:30 remaining on the game clock. After a furious comeback spurned by a Tyson Chandler three point play and a game tying Carmelo Anthony three pointer the Knicks were in prime position to get the win. Carmelo Anthony was spectacular scoring 44 points. I hate to pin point any blame what so ever on a guy that carried his team offensively for much of the game. However, Carmelo made two bone headed plays to end the game. Absolutely no ball movement on the Knicks last possession forced a horrible shot clock violation. Dirk Nowitzki is too good of a shooter to get a clean look at the basket to end the game. Carmelo didn't want to foul Nowitzki. Not putting a hand up lead to Dirk getting a clean look and banking in the game winner.
During Vince Carter's youthful days as a member of the Toronto Raptors he was known as a huge Knick killer. Vince had the fountain of youth going tonight scoring 23 points on 7-12 from downtown. Vince knocked down three point bombs effortlessly the way he's done his entire career.
Tonight the Knicks had opportunity after opportunity to pull ahead. Pablo Prigioni's two three pointers in the fourth quarter were huge in a losing effort. The Knicks certainly showed fight tonight. The team came up short yet the effort was present late in the game. Once a team quits on its coach the need for a coaching change becomes urgent. The Knicks are still playing for Mike Woodson.
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