December 3, 2010
New York Knicks (7-3) @ Orlando Magic (6-5)
Box Score: NYK - ORL | Team Stats
Game Recap:
Three nights removed from setting a new career high in points, Carmelo Anthony continued his hot shooting Friday night, scoring 45 points and making a jaw-dropping 8 of 12 three-pointers. Amar'e Stoudemire, Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields, and DeAndre Jordan also contributed with outstanding games, with two of the four recording double-doubles. DeAndre Jordan had 10 rebounds and a dominating 8 blocks.
The Knicks jumped ahead early in the first, led by hot shooting from Carmelo. He made 3 of his 8 three pointers in the first quarter. In addition, the team allowed little scoring in the paint, sending back an astounding 17 shots, 14 more than the Magic.
In the second, the Knicks orchestrated a 12-4 run, led by Jameer Nelson, who scored a team-high 27 points. However, the rest of the Magic players contributed little in the scoring department, with superstar Dwight Howard only amassing 9 points and 7 rebounds.
After the half, Anthony came out of the gate strong, making 5 of 6 three pointers in the third quarter alone. Stoudemire had an efficient fourth quarter, making 5 of his 6 shot attempts.
Jordan Brand Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony - 45 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks, 58% FG, 67% 3P
Scouting Report:
The team had a very efficient night shooting the three, making 14 out of 25. This is a large improvement over the past several games. In addition, interior defense has been absolutely unbreachable. Led by DeAndre Jordan's 8 blocks, the team allowed little in terms of slashing. The team also passed the ball well, with a +8 advantage over the Magic.
Overall, a very good game.
Areas of Improvement:1. Bench production
Images from the game:
2.Transition defense
3. Ball control
4. Preventing offensive boards
And by the way, I have a question. Chauncey Billups. Next year I have a 14 million dollar option for him. I really don't want to accept it. He's rated 82 right now but will obviously degrade. So should I sell high and trade him right now/before the deadline? I have an offer of Billups/Fields for Harris/I forgot. It looks like a great offer. But I don't really want to lose Fields, so 2 2nd rounders should fix that. Opinions?
