Post Game Reaction: Suns 113 Knicks 111
The Knicks had an epic comeback in this one but came up short. The Suns beat the Knicks 113-111. They were trailing all game and were down 12 going into the 4th but the game changed when the Knick's bench took over. Still they came up short. This game reminded me of the old Knicks, who would get down early and then make a comeback but ultimately come up short. Here are a few of my observations.
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Tyson Chandler and Eric Bledsoe dominated. The Knicks had no answer from either Bledsoe or Chandler. Bledsoe finished with 31pts 6rebs and 8asts. He also hit all 12 attempts from the line. The Knicks could not contain his penetration and he got to the basket with ease as the guards could not slow him down. Chandler had another 20 rebound game against his old team, finishing with 13pts and 23 rebs. The Knicks could not stop him as he just dominated on the glass.
Knicks Death Lineup. Baker, O'Quinn, Holiday, Thomas and Porzingis were the starting 5 going into the 4th quarter. That group went on a 15-2 run and almost helped the Knicks win this game. They did a great job defending and getting good looks on offense. At one point that group had a 4-point lead but could not hold it. They ended up playing the first 8 minutes of the quarter and were a +14 on the court as a group.
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Porzingis and Chriss go at it literally. I guess these two guys don't like each other as it started on a hard foul by Porzingis and then on the other end Chriss threw Porzingis to the ground and they then shoved each other. Chriss got a flagrant foul, while Porzingis got a T. On the court the 2 played really well. Chriss finished up with 14pts and 12 rebs, while Porzingis showed up big time with 34pts.
Kristaps Porzingis and Marquese Chriss were going at it. ????????
— NBA SKITS (@NBA_Skits) December 14, 2016
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Poor Knicks transition defense. The transition defense was the biggest problem. When they made the Suns play half-court offense, they would struggle. But off of misses and turnovers, the Suns pushed it and beat the Knicks in the open court. The 14 turnovers were converted to 13 pts for the Suns and they also got 33 fast break points. The Knicks need to do better and get back on defense.
Melo a no-show, Porzingis shines and Rose leaves early. The Knicks Big Three all had very different nights. Rose played 10 minutes and then left with an injury, back spasms. Melo just was in a funk all night, scoring 13pts on 3-15 from the field. Lots of credit to P.J. Tucker as he hounded Melo all night. While Porzingis had another strong night with 34pts 8rebs 3stls and 3blks. He carried the team tonight along with O'Quinn. But the fouls again may have cost the Knicks. Porzingis keeps picking up cheap touch fouls and that cost him as he picked up his 6th mid-way through OT and the Knicks struggled to score after that.
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O'Quinn another solid game. Kyle O'Quinn keeps putting together strong performances every night. Tonight he had a career high 22pts along with 14 rebs. He was everywhere, providing much needed energy and scoring punch off the bench. He has established himself as the first big off the bench.
This was a bad loss for the Knicks because the Suns are a team they should have beaten. The energy from the start was an issue and the Knicks now have to face the Warriors in Golden State. That will be a tough one.
